Pochettino bows down to Tata Martino
The US Men’s National Team coach heaped praise on the Atlanta United manager, who was a guest of honor at Team USA’s training session.
The United States concluded its preparations this Friday for the first of two matches it will play during this FIFA international break. The game will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta against Belgium, a rival that will provide an important test for the Stars and Stripes.
During Friday’s training session, one of the special guests with the USMNT was Atlanta United coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who reunited with Mauricio Pochettino at the MLS club’s facilities, where the national team has been training.
Before his press conference ahead of the match against Belgium, Mauricio Pochettino and Tata Martino exchanged jerseys and shared a few words, during which the USMNT coach showered his former Newell’s Old Boys team-mate with praise.
USA manager Mauricio Pochettino on his World Cup preparation: "Why not us?" 🏆🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/f1091TvXhI
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 25, 2026
“He is one of my idols, one of my heroes. When I made my debut at Newell’s Old Boys he was the captain, and I learned many things from him. The coach I am today is partly thanks to Gerardo. I made my debut with him and he was one of the greats in Argentina, and without a doubt one of the best coaches,” Pochettino acknowledged.
For his part, the former coach of national teams such as Mexico and Argentina thanked Pochettino for his words and took the opportunity to return the compliments, assuring him that he is a great coach and wishing him success at the World Cup with the United States.
“Mauricio was very generous with his words, and we have great affection for him. He had a fantastic career as a footballer, and what can we say about him as a coach. We wish him every success at this World Cup,” Martino added.
Thank you for your hospitality all week, @ATLUTD! pic.twitter.com/7cVZxyGDVZ
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) March 27, 2026
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