When it comes to international success, debates are heating up around USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino. The 52-year-old is currently a fan favorite, but according to former U.S. Men’s National Team forward Herculez Gomez, his tactical style is not being considered quite as ‘efficient’ as Thomas Tuchel. With crucial rivals like the World Cup in mind, Tuchel’s ability to lead a squad to victory is winning over fans.
Herculez Gomez put the matter to bed during a recent conversation on ESPN FC’s Extra Time: Gomez pointed out Tuchel’s luxury of having more choices and ability to change things quickly under pressure, a situation where he is the man who you should rely on in knockout events. On the other hand, Gomez criticized Pochettino for being too idealistic and for his style of play, which they believed was “nowhere near” Tuchel’s in terms of winning honors.
Speaking about Tuchel, Gomez said, “He’s got more material. He’s got more to play with, more to work with. This is a team that’s been at the finish line, just hasn’t gotten over the finish line. They’ve been there, about to win the race, just haven’t done it. Well, if this is a race, then we’re the United States. That’s what I’m saying. They’re nowhere near it. Thomas Tuchel has much more to play with.“
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Even when pressed for a choice between the two coaches, Gomez didn’t hesitate to make it clear who he thought would be the better fit for the U.S. “I’m more pragmatic in my approach. Pochettino is very much of the being, and while at times he has shown pragmatism, he has shown an ability to rally his troops to defend. Thomas Tuchel, if there’s a seven-game tournament, that’s who I’m picking. That’s my number one pick as a coach.”
As debates over the future leadership of the USMNT rage on, there is an update on Tim Weah returning after missing Pochettino’s first camp.
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Is Pochettino's idealism a liability for USMNT's World Cup ambitions compared to Tuchel's pragmatism?
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USMNT star Tim Weah returns for Juve in win over Lazio after missing Mauricio Pochettino’s first camp
U.S. men’s national team winger Timothy Weah made his return from the bench in Juventus’ 1-0 win against Lazio. Tim Weah entered the game in the 54th minute to replace Nicolo Savona for receiving a yellow card. Weah had a solid performance on the right side, generating two opportunities, completing 95 percent of his passes, and winning two of his four duels.
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Weah made his first appearance in over a month, having missed the previous game against Napoli due to an ankle injury. Weah’s comeback comes shortly after the completion of the USMNT camp, as well as a split decision in matches against Panama and Mexico, which Weah missed due to an ankle injury. A healthy Weah is a wonderful sight for Juventus, but also for USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, who will undoubtedly be excited to work with the American winger.
Weah might make an appearance next month when the USMNT meets Jamaica in two Nations League games. Meanwhile, Juve, who won 1-0 thanks to a Mario Gila own goal, will now turn their attention to the Champions League, hosting Stuttgart in Turin on Tuesday for their third encounter of the round. Drop your thoughts in the comment section.
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Is Pochettino's idealism a liability for USMNT's World Cup ambitions compared to Tuchel's pragmatism?