There’s something different in the air surrounding the US Men’s National Team. Of course, we thought so. It’s Mauricio Pochettino, the new man, leading the American boys for the next two years. While things are starting to take shape under the Argentinian tactician, Gianluca Busio already feels a significant difference from what it was like under Gregg Berhalter.

“That was a while ago,” said the Venezia FC star about the last time he played under Berhalter. Precisely, it was November 16, 2021, for a World Cup qualifier match against Jamaica, in which Team USA finished with a 1-1 score. Of course, returning to camp almost after three years would see Busio feel significant changes. But this is something different from what used to happen with Berhalter.

“I think it’s kind of the first day of school feeling. It’s kind of like a fresh start and you wipe everything off,” added the Greensboro, North Carolina native during a brief talk on CBS Sports Golazo America’s Morning Footy show, sharing the feeling of working under Pochettino. Of course, it’s a back-to-school feeling, but is there any other change he sees, unlike his last time in the camp?

“So, I don’t know, I kind of like that—another chance to prove myself under a new coach and it’s kind of everybody starting from the same. He’s giving everybody a chance and I really like that. So that’s what I’m looking to take advantage of,” concluded the 22-year-old, sounding almost as if he was enjoying himself more under the new boss rather than the previous one.

Looks like the lucky, chosen 25 players are having a great time with Pochettino; of course not in a fun manner. Gianluca Busio’s remarks strongly suggest the group recognized the gap, which the former Tottenham manager effectively addressed. This explains why every player has only one word in their mouths; intense!

Mauricio Pochettino is ‘likable’ but ‘very demanding‘ to USMNT stars!

Tim Ream recently shared his thoughts on the strategic changes that have taken place since Mauricio Pochettino took charge at the start of camp. “The camp has been good, intense,” said the veteran defender.

For a player who has been with the national team since 2010, Ream admitted that their first two-hour training session under Poch was likely the longest he’s experienced in his 14-year career with the team.

“He is very likeable but very demanding… very, very much.” Ream continued, “He can joke intermittently. He grabbed a few guys today and gave him a big old slap on the back and almost knocked him over.”

Big Poch loves to joke but doesn’t prefer to mix it with business. “He is a big guy, and when he speaks, you listen for sure.” Indeed, the kind of words that ardent fans would want to hear!