It has been a bittersweet start for Mauricio Pochettino with the USMNT. While his debut saw the American boys secure an emphatic 2-0 win over Panama, a subsequent 2-0 defeat to Mexico—ending a five-year unbeaten streak—has changed many people’s perceptions of the Argentinian tactician. However, stepping up to defend Pochettino’s reputation is his predecessor Gregg Berhalter, who backs him as a ‘great guy’.

The American tactician may have passed the torch to the former Tottenham manager but he still looks to be holding the flame. Months after being sacked as USMNT coach, the American tactician recently joined Chicago Fire as their director of football and manager. During the conversation, his former team’s recent defeat to El Tri became a topic of discussion.

But Berhalter quickly brushed the idea of doubting Pochettino and Co. and is rather looking to shake hands with him to work for the development of players. “I think it‘s a really good hire and I can assure you that there will be a relationship and we will be able to count on each other, both us supplying him players (Berhalter now works for Chicago Fire in MLS) and hopefully getting feedback from him also,” said the 51-year-old via ESPN.

Further raising the bar of praise, Berhalter continued, “He’s a great guy, a top coach who coached at the top level and knows what pressure’s like, and knows how to perform in pressure situations.” Indeed, this is quite a remarkable praise from the former Stars and Stripes manager, which must have resonated for Pochettino in high regard.

Even the former Chelsea boss holds Berhalter in high esteem, implying the same tactical system for the Golden Generation. Mauricio used a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 style, similar to what Gregg did during his gig. Even Panama’s manager, Thomas Christiansen, whose team conceded two second-half goals, acknowledged that Pochettino’s approach wasn’t significantly different from Berhalter’s system. “I didn’t feel there were too, too many changes from previous U.S. squads,” said Christiansen.

But the bigger question is; does Pochettino have something to say over his first blunder? Let’s hear it!

Mauricio Pochettino demands ‘time’ amid poor display vs Mexico

USMNT played just the second match under Mauricio Pochettino and many were already hitting the panic button. However, the former PSG boss has stepped in to calm the nerves of many. “Give me time,” he said in the post-match presser. “Only 10 days and a few training sessions. There’s a need to assess the players, to get familiar with them, and to create a strong base. After that we will have a much clearer assessment of what this side is capable of.”

Everyone knows time is of the essence for USMNT, considering they are the host nation at the World Cup. Though not many international windows are there for them to prepare under the 52-year-old, Pochettino still believes things will turn out to be just fine. Even his own disciple Aidan Morris insisted that “It’s early days” and the whole team would nicely fit in under Pochettino’s leadership. Just as they say, hope springs eternal!