US Soccer is rewriting its playbook with some reforms. Emma Hayes recently showed the way by taking decisive steps for USWNT’s Olympic campaign. The first move involved changing the way the squad was selected apart from the tactics and strategies. Now, the men’s team appears ready for a robust transformation in team management. While Mauricio Pochettino is expected to arrive soon, Mikey Varas has now opened up about how the Stars and Stripes are planning to standardize the process for the future. This includes the way of hiring and most importantly what happens inside the camp.

In a recent interview with US Soccer, the interim coach emphasized the need for competitive spirit among the players. Sending a message to the aspirants, he stated, “The long-term vision is we’ve got to move the program forward, and we’re approaching that in two ways. The first is that we’re going to make it a really competitive training environment. Everybody knows that training matters and that they’re going to have to come in and earn their spot for the game.” It’s clear what the coach is expecting from his short spell. While results matter, the process they develop has become a priority.

Varas revealed that the second strategy is to instill aggression. He further said, “Ultimately, what we want to do is set up these players for success to make sure that they have an easy transition with a new coach coming in,” aiming to make it easy for Pochettino. The USMNT over the years hasn’t been competing with the best and has been claimed to be laid back. With the group stage exit from Copa America, players now need to put their best effort into training as well, indicated the manager.

Moreover, Varas proved this by excluding key midfielder Weston McKennie because he was not fit and did not train during the preseason. But, after receiving criticism for the call, the coach has now explained the challenges he faced in gathering the right squad at this point.

Varas outlines two important obstacles in hiring for USMNT

As friendly as the matches in September may seem, it could be a turning point for the USMNT. The games against Canada and New Zealand will be the first step in revealing their progress for the 2026 event. Nevertheless, Varas revealed that this time could be the most difficult to get the players of his choice. Citing September to be a ‘tricky window,’ he mentioned the heavy workload the players go through. The American coach hinted how the recent Copa America and club preseason might have already tuckered the players out.

Varas even left Antonee Robinson out, citing the rest he needs for the Premier League season ahead. In addition, the players moving around clubs during the season’s beginning doesn’t help either. However, the coach now has more than 13 players who are aged below 23 in the squad. Hence, this may add some energy to the group, an idea effectively used by Hayes. But can the team prove to be adequate against formidable Canadian and New Zealand teams despite such steps? Let us know in the comments.