Soccer
Mauricio Pochettino out to protect incredible USMNT record in Nations League
The United States take on Jamaica on Thursday, looking for an early boost in the new man’s first competitive fixture.
Fans in the United States will hope that Thursday, 14 November will come to be known as the starting point of a glorious new era in the history of American soccer. USMNT travel to Jamaica for the quarter-final of the CONCACAF Nations League, a competition the team has dominated in recent years.
It marks the first time that Mauricio Pochettino will take charge of the men’s national team in a competitive fixture, coming less than two years out from the much-anticipated World Cup on home soil. Pochettino takes over a team that has stagnated in recent years, recently bounced from the group stage of the Copa América in a disastrous summer showing.
But while the US have struggled for consistency in recent years, they have found success in the CONCACAF Nations League. The tournament was introduced in 2019 and three previous editions have now been played. USMNT has won all three.
This time they are joined in the quarter-finals by Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Suriname, Canada, Honduras and Mexico. In recent months the US have suffered losses to both Canada and Mexico but Pochettino will be desperate to get revenge in this CONCACAF competition.
Christian Pulisic relishing fresh start under new coach
Although enthusiasm for the national team is at a lull, American players are in a historic patch of form for their club teams. PSV Eindhoven forward Malik Tillman provided a goal and two assists in the Champions League last week, while Tim Weah has been in good goal-scoring form for Italian giants Juventus.
Most impressive of the lot, however, is Christian Pulisic, who has contributed seven goals and five assists for AC Milan. Now 26, Pulisic is an established global star and he is relishing the chance to work closely with Pochettino for the national team.
“It’s been a good kind of reset for everyone, and I think it’s brought an environment where everyone is a bit on their toes and especially in training sessions,” Pulisic said earlier this week.
“I think everyone is that much more focused. You obviously want to make a good first impression, you want to impress these coaches. They’ve obviously coached some of the best players in the world.”
USMNT head to Kingston for the first leg of their quarter-final double-header, returning to St. Louis for the return leg next week. These games will give Pochettino the chance to see his new squad in a competitive fixture but could pose some awkward early questions if his team fails to progress in the CONCACAF tournament.
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