Mauricio Pochettino’s start to his USMNT tenure has been far from smooth sailing. In a recent interview, Pochettino revealed the complications he and his staff have been facing behind the scenes, particularly with obtaining visas and finalizing travel arrangements, which had delayed preparations for the upcoming international fixtures.

Visa securing for himself and his team has been a “nightmare,” according to Pochettino. Only a day before the interview, travel documents were finally approved to enable the flying out of the coaching staff to join the team on Saturday. 

“I need to tell you that yesterday we received the visa, and we can fly on Saturday because that was also a nightmare. But now we got the visa, and we can go. We were busy with all the paperwork, but now it’s done,” Pochettino stated in the interview with The Blazing Musket.

Apart from the visa issues, Pochettino said paperwork had delayed his team. This created another problem to fix. Pochettino felt very relieved now that everything was ready. The visa deal had caused a lot of pointless worry. Now the staff could focus on preparing the USMNT for what was ahead.

He said that he and his team worked day and night to ensure that every detail would be accurate. So that by the time players are coming in, they are ready. This includes getting the tactical principles aligned and ensuring the transition to the new system under his leadership is as smooth as can be. Mauricio Pochettino explained how important it is to lay a foundation early, especially with a staff already on the ground in America, so that the players will come in and hit the ground running. Be that as it may, don’t you wonder how will be Poch’s new roster?

All we know so far about Mauricio Pochettino’s upcoming roster

One of the most important things learned about Mauricio Pochettino’s update is that he is serious about continuity. About the USMNT roster, the coach said it would be mostly similar to the last one. The decision was based on trusting the USMNT coaching staff’s views and judgments. They have been working closely with the players for months now.

A lot of players will miss out on making it to the final roster, said Pochettino, yet they all deserve a chance to play for the team. He hinted that certain circumstances, such as injuries or players being unavailable, had played a part in his decision to stick with the core group from the previous camp. Even with minimal changes, each player selected has fully earned their place and will be key for their upcoming games.

Being done with logistical hurdles, Pochettino could fully focus on his duties as the head coach of the USMNT. His first test against Panama should give him some trouble, especially with the injury of leading striker Folarin Balogun. He seems determined to make the most of the situation.

As Mauricio Pochettino’s “nightmare”  is finally over. Now, he can fully focus on getting the USMNT ready for their upcoming games. He’s excited to put his personal stamp on the team and start a new era in American soccer.