Mauricio Pochettino may have joined as the USMNT coach around the ninth month of 2024, but the difference is already evident. While guiding the American boys to three wins and a single defeat might not fully convince the cynics, one cannot deny the fresh wave of optimism and the rejuvenated environment the Argentinian tactician has brought with him. For Weston McKennie, however, it’s the unique ‘South American feeling’ that Pochettino has instilled within the team.

With a new manager coming in, the Stars and Stripes are expected to ditch their old ways and embrace new methods. In the past, many held the impression that the USA team played cautiously with a calm passing style, avoiding much physicality against their opponents. That, however, is no longer the case, as things are expected to get tougher on the pitch for the rivals facing this Golden Generation.

And by tough, we mean the South American tough. “I think honestly, [he] put the, kind of, savageness back into the team,” began McKennie while speaking about Pochettino to CBS Sports writer Pardeep Cattry. “That South American feeling, which is obviously going into tackles hard, not caring who you’re playing against, maybe a little bit of dirtiness,” added the Juventus midfielder.

No matter how talented you are with the ball, the harsh reality is that one needs to maintain physical composure in order to retain themselves in front of the opponents. It’s not like the players in the US Men’s National Team aren’t capable or possess physical traits; but there’s always a scope for improvement isn’t it?

“I guess you could say, without contradicting the sport itself, but a little bit of dirtiness in the game and that grittiness that the USA is always known for,” concluded McKennie, sharing how Pochettino is preparing the American boys not just with the tactical side of the game, but also helping them utilize their physicality to its best.

That means you can expect the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Tim Weah, and Yunus Musah, alongside Christian Pulisic, to showcase more toughness on the pitch—something that many used to underestimate them for. That reminds us, even the USMNT skipper shared similar changes about Poch!

Mauricio Pochettino instilling a ‘demanding style’ in the USMNT!

Christian Pulisic earlier shared the key difference ever since the arrival of the former Tottenham manager within the team. “He has a very demanding style,” began Pulisic during his exclusive chat with The Athletic. “He wants us to play an attacking style, where we have the ball, create chances, be very dynamic and also work extremely hard. As soon as we lose it, to win it back and definitely a more higher-up pressing style.”

Pochettino is known for being a meticulous coach, making it tough to impress him. However, if things fall into place and align with the 52-year-old’s approach, it’s bound to be a win-win. That explains why despite having only joined a few months ago, the former PSG and Chelsea boss has already settled in so well that Pulisic feels as though he’s been there much longer.

“It’s crazy to say it feels like he’s been the coach for a while and I haven’t got to spend a whole lot of time with him. But it has been a good start so far,” admitted the AC Milan forward. So it’s safe to say that the progression to becoming the best continues for USMNT under their new manager. This only creates more excitement for what more they have in store for us.