With Mauricio Pochettino‘s arrival closer than ever, USMNT is already building castles in the air. The Argentinian tactician checks the boxes of a big-name manager that the Star and Stripes had been hoping to get. While the whole team is set for a significant transformation under the former Tottenham boss, the focus would mostly be on Christian Pulisic, who is touted to reach new heights under the guidance of Pochettino.

The advocate of this thought is Team USA’s insider Doug McIntyre. In the latest episode of Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union podcast, the journalist was asked which player in the ranks of the US Men’s National Team fits Poch’s style the most. Interestingly, without any deep thought, McIntyre replied, “Simple answer, I think Christian Pulisic. I think for him, he’s got to be as excited, if not more excited than anyone.”

The commentator insisted that Pulisic’s Copa America display made it clear that the former Chelsea star was ready for the tournament. He wanted to make a difference, which unfortunately couldn’t happen for obvious reasons. “Some of his teammates let him down frankly, so for him to get a start with a coach that he knows, that all his teammates are going to have to play as well as they possibly can to make sure they make a good impression and stay in the light,” McIntyre advised.

“I think that there is still another level for Christian Pulisic as good as of a season as he had last year with AC Milan. There’s another level for him,” concluded the journalist. Other than keeping up his form and performing at a top level for the US, Pulisic certainly has no other choice. As a skipper, he would be the first player that Pochettino will give his command that the 25-year-old shall follow.

Rest assured, it can turn out pretty well for everyone. However, we shall warn Pulisic and even his teammates, how difficult things may turn out under Pochettino.

Mauricio Pochettino won’t tolerate any ‘nonsense’ from Christian Pulisic and Co.

USMNT legend Brad Friedel, who played under Mauricio Pochettino during his time as Tottenham’s goalkeeper, has warned Christian Pulisic and his teammates about the more rigid aspects of the 52-year-old coach’s style. While Pochettino is ‘incredibly compassionate to players who work hard’, he also brings a strict, ‘No nonsense’ approach. “His tactical session is probably harder than most MLS sessions that are out there,” Friedel noted.

He also emphasized that Pochettino won’t tolerate any sense of entitlement from players. Instead, players even including Pulisic, will have to “earn the right” to be on the team. “But I tell you, once he has his team together, it’s such a good, positive, really good working environment. It’s very difficult for players not to enjoy playing football under him,” concluded Friedel on a positive note.

Despite Pochettino being seen as a safe choice for the USMNT, how his leadership will ultimately play out remains to be seen. But mostly, eyes would be on the progress of Christian Pulisic.