USMNT’s Mauricio Pochettino says nation lacks ‘emotional relationship’ with soccer

TL;DR

Mauricio Pochettino expressed concerns about the US public's emotional connection to soccer, suggesting it develops later compared to other countries. He emphasized the need for accessible play areas for children to foster a love for the game.

Key points

Mauricio Pochettino leads the US men's national team.
He questions the emotional connection Americans have with soccer.
Pochettino emphasizes the importance of accessible play areas for youth.
He remains optimistic about the team's prospects in the World Cup.

Mentioned in this story

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US men's national teamArgentinaMoroccoSouth Korea

Mauricio Pochettino will lead the US men’s national team at this summer’s World Cup.Photograph: George Walker IV/AP (Photograph: George Walker IV/AP) In a podcast appearance released Thursday, Mauricio Pochettino defended the tournament prospects of his US men’s national team, but gave a mixed answer when asked if the hosts feel excitement brewing stateside, questioning the “emotional relationship with the game” of the American public writ large. “The kids don’t develop until they are 11, 12, or 13,” Pochettino explained in his appearance on Stick To Football. “The difference within other countries – for me, I know Argentina – the way that I developed my emotional relationship with football is before I started to walk because I started to kick the ball. That is the problem. The relationship is with basketball or American football. They take the ball with their hands, first thing. [Elsewhere] you kick the ball with your feet.” Pochettino went on to state that there should be greater emphasis on creating publicly accessible places for kids to play rather than funneling all development through clubs and organized teams. He cited playing with his friends as more foundational to his love of the game than what he learned in organized play. He brought this point up in response to a recent dinner he attended where apparently wealthy guests asked why a nation with so many people “doesn’t have our own Messi”. It was the latest of what’s been an extended series of lengthy podcast stops since Pochettino took the US job. Most often, these interviews are conducted between windows and allow him to reflect openly on his club career at a relative point of hiatus as he readies what’s next, as he is expected to leave the program when his contract ends after the World Cup. Related: 16-year-old Mathis Albert just broke a Bundesliga record. Beware the US soccer hype machine If Pochettino harbors any skepticism about his team’s chances at a co-hosted World Cup, he has yet to show it. Stick to Football’s Gary Neville reminded Pochettino that initial expectations were that reaching a quarter-final would mark success for the co-hosts. Pochettino acknowledged that that seems to be the media consensus, but offered an anecdote in defense of optimism. “When I met Mr President [Donald Trump] before the draw in Washington, he asked me, ‘Do you think, coach, that we can win?’ I said of course … Why not? Why not! It’s all about your belief. Look at in ; no one believed. Look at in . Semi-final, too. There’s plenty of examples: if you put a limit and say maybe, for us, the message is to reach the quarter-final. You don’t go through the group stage. All is possible in football.”

Q&A

What did Mauricio Pochettino say about the US public's relationship with soccer?

Pochettino stated that the American public lacks an emotional relationship with soccer, developing interest later than in countries like Argentina.

How does Pochettino suggest improving youth soccer development in the US?

He advocates for creating publicly accessible play areas for kids instead of relying solely on organized club teams for development.

What are Pochettino's expectations for the US men's national team in the upcoming World Cup?

Pochettino remains optimistic about the team's chances, recalling examples of underdog successes in past tournaments.

USMNT’s Mauricio Pochettino says nation lacks ‘emotional relationship’ with soccer

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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