Mauricio Pochettino: USMNT “dominated” Germany in loss

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino said that his team had “dominated Germany” at times, despite falling to a 2-1 loss to the European giants in the final pre-World Cup game.

Germany took an early lead against the US when Kai Havertz was given a free header from a set piece. Antonee Robinson struck back with a sensational volley but Leroy Sane won the game for Germany in the second half. Nevertheless the US went toe-to-toe with a full-strength Germany and Pochettino was eager to take the positives from the game.

“Overall, today was a very good performance,” Pochettino said. “We compete, [we] were unlikely, I think it was an even game.”

“I am so happy with the commitment and how the team was. We conceded in the first action and - with how the reaction was - we need to be happy,” he continued. “At the end of the first half, we dominated Germany.”

There was a late flashpoint in the game after Tim Weah flew into a full-bodied tackle on David Raum. Germany player to exception to the challenge and both sets of players were quickly involved in the mele, with US substitutes coming across to defend Weah. Speaking after the game, Pochettino admitted that he liked to see his players stand up for their teammates: “It’s good. It’s because we care, they care, we are competitive.”

Pochettino on Tillman’s new role

There were few surprises in the team selected by Pochettino for the final pre-tournament game. However it was notable that he chose to field Malik Tillman, usually a forward, in a more defense-minded holding midfield role.

Tillman played alongside Tyler Adams in a double pivot, with Weston McKennie given a freer role in the No. 10 position. It was a bold decision from Pochettino but he is confident in Tillman’s ability to play in that deeper role.

Pochettino told reporters that he has long considered Tillman a candidate in central midfield, having seem him perform the role with club team PSV. Pochettino said: “We watched a Champions League game... Malik played holding midfield, it was him in front of the back four.”

“It’s a position that he can [play], with his physical condition, and his technical ability to go into different spaces. He’s a player who can play in every space on the pitch.”

Now, the USMNT have six days to prepare for the long-awaited World Cup opener against Paraguay on Friday, June 12. This final warm-up game brought real positives for Pochettino and his team but the real work begins next week.

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