Mauricio Pochettino has already started urging the USMNT to step up. The Argentine coach comes to complete a stringent mission after the USA’s harsh reality check at the 2024 Copa America. The screws were expected to be tightened within the team after seeing a few weaknesses within the team. While the technical and the strategic aspects get a revamp, the athlete’s psyche remains Pochettino’s primary focus. And who better than Emma Hayes‘ USWNT to get inspired from?

Speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast, Pochettino advised the Stars and Stripes men to start believing. “We need to see next to us the women’s team, we need to see the athletes,” said the coach when asked how his players could inculcate a winning mentality.

Citing how the USA produces elite athletes, he further stated, “We also need to produce soccer players with that mentality, the arrogance, the right arrogance.” However, he clarified that he doesn’t prefer an offensive attitude.

While the USMNT are ranked higher than many formidable teams in FIFA, their performance has been lacking in major tournaments. The Yanks have not reached a quarterfinal of the World Cup since 2002 when Landon Donovan steered their campaign. Their performance in recent times has been fluctuating despite possessing a talented pool of players. They reached the World Cup RO16 twice in the last three years, while not qualifying in the 2018 edition. And, the recent group stage exit in Copa America called for a paradigm shift.

Other countries like Turkey, Switzerland, and Colombia doing well have already brought comparisons. Even their neighbors, Canada, reached the semifinals of the recent tournament. However, USMNT, which was #10 in FIFA men’s rankings before the 2024 Copa America started, has moved down 7 places to #18th in the list. Hence, Mauricio Pochettino seems to have a plan to overcome the scenario.

Mauricio Pochettino calls for calculated aggression amidst the new plan for USMNT

Despite needing the shift, Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t want something extreme. “Too much arrogance, you know it is you disrespect, you underestimate the opponent. But if you have the right arrogance, you are confident in yourself. You are sure that you are going to perform and you’re sure about your quality,” he later stated, suggesting that they be confident without undermining others.

On the other hand, UNWNT has been displaying this since its inception. The team, already having won four World Cups and five Olympics gold, wanted to maintain their dominance in soccer. Hence, even after a relatively dismal World Cup last year, they managed to win an Olympic gold within 2 months under Hayes.

Nevertheless, the former Tottenham coach acknowledged the availability of talent but felt that he needed to provide a positive environment. The first step the 52-year-old had taken was to express his aim to avoid any excuses. Pochettino revealed the players should aim to win the 2026 World Cup at home and expressed that the time for the preparation is enough.

While there is no lack of passion and skill for soccer stars in the USA, the former Argentina international is targeting the mindset. Do you agree with Pochettino? Give your views in the comments below.