The wait is almost over. Only a matter of time before Project Mauricio Pochettino initiates for the US Men’s National Team. The arrival of the Argentinian tactician is in the bag as ardent fans are excited to finally see a big-name coach they’d been hoping to see. But how’s the feeling within the ranks of the Star and Stripes over the prospect of starting from scratch? According to USMNT insider Doug McIntyre, there isn’t a single player who isn’t ‘extremely excited‘ to work alongside Pochettino.

The assertion was made in the latest episode of Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union podcast. When Lalas asked about the reaction of players on hearing Poch as their new boss, the journalist replied, “I think they’re excited. There’s probably a level of anxiety, healthy anxiety, to have a clean slate. Anyone that was comfortable in their position—that goes out of the window.”

McIntyre insisted that every individual will have to start fresh and prove themselves to be on the team, while simultaneously knowing the former Tottenham coach on a personal level and vice versa. “It’s a real kick in the a** for these guys and I think based on what we saw on Copa America, that’s exactly what they need. Certainly, he has a resume where there would be respect within the first interaction,” added the commentator.

Having coached big names like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Harry Kane and clubs like PSG, Tottenham, and Chelsea, everyone on the team knows about the 52-year-old’s resume and his quality. “I would be very surprised if there’s one US player that wasn’t extremely excited at the prospect of working with a coach of that caliber,” concluded McIntyre.

In short, every individual within the ranks of the USMNT isn’t able to contain the excitement of working with Pochettino. However, they shall brace themselves, considering things won’t be easy under the former Premier League boss.

Playing under Mauricio Pochettino won’t be a bed of roses for USMNT

Having played as Tottenham’s goalkeeper under Mauricio Pochettino, Brad Friedel earlier advised USMNT stars to be prepared for the coach’s more rigid approach. While Pochettino is known for being highly compassionate towards players who put in the effort, he also brings a strict, “no-nonsense” attitude. “His tactical session is probably harder than most MLS sessions that are out there,” Friedel noted.

The ex-American goalie also emphasized that there aren’t any favorites for Pochettino. Even big names like Pulisic will have to grind a lot to prove the former Southampton man. However, once the team is established, Friedel assured that the environment will be highly positive, making it difficult for players not to enjoy playing under Pochettino.

In addition to his strict attitude, Pochettino is expected to handle the “egos” within the USMNT squad effectively—a challenge previously noted by US icon Herculez Gomez. The manager’s experience coaching the MNM trio at PSG, guiding Harry Kane at Spurs, and uplifting the development of fresh legs like Cole Palmer at Chelsea, suggests that the US’ golden generation is in for a treat to enjoy a breakthrough.

Rest, ain’t no reason left to see why USMNT stars are excited to begin the new era under Mauricio Pochettino.