USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino makes a demand to US fans

The United States’ defeat in the Gold Cup final against Mexico denied head coach Mauricio Pochettino a confidence-boosting triumph with a new-look team.

USMNT fell to a more experienced Mexico team in Houston last weekend but Mauricio Pochettino has looked to take the positives from the performances of some lesser-known stars.

This week Pochettino has reiterated that message during a podcast shared by US Soccer. In an interview with former US international Alejandro Bedoya, the Argentinian coach acknowledged that he is enjoying his time in the United States. The team has been well received wherever they have traveled but he did after for a bit more from the fans to help connect with the team.

Pochettino said: “I’m in love with the USA and the culture, the cities and every place where you can enjoy being with the people. I think it’s been incredible. St. Louis was incredible up until the game, Minneapolis, Chicago, New York, Austin, Dallas."

“I think in every place we’ve been, the people have been good, very warm, I think we need to encourage our fans to follow the team more, the team needs the fans, so please go to the stadiums, that’s very important for the players,” explained Pochettino.

Continuing along those lines, Pochettino explained the importance for him of the fans being present at games, pointing out that the team can be ‘unstoppable’ heading into the World Cup.

“We need to convey to the fans the emotion we feel when we play. And I think the most important thing that can happen, of course, is if we leave with the trophy, incredible.”

“But I think that because of the potential of this country, in everything you propose and the United States proposes, it is incredible because you will achieve it. I think it is to truly understand what it means to be a football fan, what that sport means, what it means for the player to feel the support of the fans. I think that if we are capable of that this is a moment when we can say that we are going to be unstoppable because the potential here is enormous.

“My wish is for people to have the same passion that this team and we feel for the sport of football. I think that’s what we want to build on until the World Cup, and after the World Cup, I think that will be the best reward for everyone,” Pochettino added.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.