Mixed feelings are all we can say about the USMNT’s first window under Mauricio Pochettino. While a solid 2-0 win was secured over Panama, a defeat by the same score line against Mexico tarnished the Argentinian tactician’s reputation. In fact, Kasey Keller still hopes to see an ‘awakening‘ within the American team.

The defeat to El Tri isn’t being taken well by the American iconic goalkeeper as he claims that just aside from Raul Jiminez’s 22-minute free kick and Cesar Huerta’s latter-half strike, USMNT should have conceded more to get the much-deserved shock. “Personally, I think they [USMNT] need to get beat by three goals. Then, it would a wake up call that we need to take this more seriously,” Keller said on the ESPNFC show.

Part of the 54-year-old’s frustration also stems from Pochettino allowing Christian Pulisic, along with Weston McKennie, Marlon Fossey, Ricardo Pepi, and Zack Steffen, to leave the camp early after the Panama clash due to “load management” and apparent injury concerns for others. Furthermore, the team is well aware that the 2026 World Cup is rapidly approaching. Therefore, friendly matches like these are crucial opportunities for the Stars and Stripes to prepare for a strong performance as the host nation.

However, Keller is deeply frustrated by frequent player absences due to the constant scheduling of games. “Because I don’t understand this at all. There are 10 camps before the World Cup and here is your first opportunity to set the first impression, yet the whole message right now is ‘Meh. Okay. Go ahead and leave’ to players,” he added.

Keller, who worked as an assistant coach under Jurgen Klinsmann, remains frustrated over this attitude and rather wants Pochettino to count on each window. “I don’t get it. I truly, truly don’t understand it. What I want to see is an awakening. The tone being set right now is ‘Go back to your club, that’s more important anyway’,” concluded Keller.

Even though it seems everything has turned against Pochettino, a statement from a former USMNT manager might ease your frustration with the ex-Tottenham boss.

Gregg Berhalter comes in defense of Mauricio Pochettino despite backlash over Mexico defeat

In a recent interview, Gregg Berhalter dismissed any doubts about Pochettino and his staff, expressing his willingness to collaborate with him for player development. “I think it‘s a really good hire and I can assure you that there will be a relationship and we will be able to count on each other, both us supplying him players (Berhalter now works for Chicago Fire in MLS) and hopefully getting feedback from him also,” said the 51-year-old. 

Although Berhalter has handed over the reins to the former Tottenham manager, he still remains involved in the process. Months after being dismissed as USMNT coach, Berhalter took on the role of director of football and manager for Chicago Fire. Further praising Pochettino, he added, “He’s a great guy, a top coach who coached at the top level and knows what pressure’s like, and knows how to perform in pressure situations.” 

Differences are sure to remain, considering Mauricio Pochettino endured a bittersweet start. Regardless, let’s see how it goes for him further down the road.