USMNT players have already received a clue about what to expect when Mauricio Pochettino arrives. After Gregg Berhalter was shown the door, the Argentine coach now shoulders the massive task of leading the team to the 2026 World Cup at home. The team’s bumpy performances in previous tournaments and a Copa America letdown call for a firm hand. Hard decisions loom as both reputations hang in the balance. Meanwhile, Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch begs to differ, clashing with a current USMNT player’s opinion.

In an interview on the Men in Blazers show, Marsch backed Pochettino to move gently in his spell with the Stars and Stripes. “You know, I’ve heard a lot of the players saying that they need someone to crack the whip. I don’t know. Maybe that’s right. I would hope that that’s not the case, but professional players should be ready at that with the national team,” initially emphasizing the need for the players to take the grind.

However, he also added, “But I don’t think he’s necessarily a whip-cracker, I think he’s a good man with a good idea and a good way of implementing it and that’s what they’re going to get I think. So yeah I hope he’s successful.” The reaction was a response to Fulham player Antonee Robinson who acknowledged the change needed within the unit.

But the defender went a step further saying that the coach may need to crack the whip a bit to stir up the squad and bring out the best in them. Pochettino over the years has a reputation for developing young talent at PSG and Tottenham Hotspur. He led the Spurs to their best-ever spell in a long time, taking them to the finals of the UEFA Champions League and finishing second in the Premier League. During this period he also helped players such as Harry Kane, Son Hueng-min, Christian Eriksen, and a few others. Regardless, the Canadian coach anticipated a few formidable tasks for the coach ahead of the role.

A tough road expected for Mauricio Pochettino ahead with the USMNT

All the excitement around the former Chelsea manager’s arrival appears to be legit with his reputation. But with less than 2 years left for the World Cup, the former Argentina international may need to ramp up his training sessions for the squad to get familiar with his tactics. While the sport in the USA is different, implementing his attacking tactics could get a little uneasy for Mauricio Pochettino. While the USMNT has several promising offensive players like Folarin Bolagun and Christian Pulisic, the coach would need to address their struggles against top-tier teams.

Meanwhile, the burden is currently taken by the interim manager Mikey Varas. The under-23 coach has already laid the foundation in the training camp before the September friendlies as his tactical priority was to push them to press hard. In addition, his roster consists of 13 under-23 players is just a sign of Yanks’ approach under the new manager also. While Pochettino is expected to sign his contract tomorrow and be present for the team’s first match against Marsch’s side, enthusiasts will hope to see a rejuvenated USMNT. But, to have their best World Cup campaign since 1930, the USA will need to do something different which can be possible under the 52-year-old