The Argentine discussed bringing back Steffen, formation, and uncertainty around centerbacks
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Mauricio Pochettino revealed his long-anticipated roster Wednesday and there were some noteworthy additions to the team, including the return of Zack Steffen after almost two years away from the squad.
The new USMNT coach touched on Steffen's return and shed light on what his approach to tactics will be in a news conference to discuss call-ups.
GOAL dives into the four biggest takeaways of Pochettino's announcement.
Formation(s) is established
GOAL US writer Ryan Tolmich quizzed Pochettino on how he envisions incorporating all of the U.S. attacking players considering several of them – including Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent and Ricardo Pepi – have been putting up top-notch performances abroad.
Pochettino acknowledged it's a good problem to have and immediately spoke to the tactics he envisions using.
"I am excited to try to see them in action, and how we can find the best balance and the best way to play," Pochettino said. "I think we are going to try to plan to play using two systems, a 4-3-2-1 and a 4-3-3 and from there to develop, you know, our way to play."
Pochettino's mention of 4-3-2-1 shouldn't be a surprise for those who have followed his progress in England and Paris as a club manager for teams such as Tottenham and Chelsea. It's the system that brought out the best in attacking players like Harry Kane, Dele Alli, and Cole Palmer.
Considering many managers use hybrid approaches, it wouldn't be a huge surprise if Pochettino uses 4-3-2-1 in attack while reverting to a 4-3-3 on defense.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportNo concerns when it comes to defense
Chris Richards is out with injury, taking away the only guaranteed starter in centerback for the Americans. There have been some questions about the backline and goalkeeper due to some poor performances in both the Copa America and the September friendlies. Despite not having a cemented backline just yet, Pochettino emphasized that he is not worried about that position from his perspective.
"I think we have good potential players that can perform very well," Pochettino said. "Of course, we need to improve as a team… We need to set the principles to try to help to everyone perform well."
Pochettino said that with the right preparation, mistakes can be avoided and players can make better instinctual decisions instead.
"We need to find the best way to work and give all the tools to the player to know exactly what they need to do and try to avoid mistakes," he said. "You know that that is all about working and settling the principle that is what we want to start from, from the first day, you know, working, to helping them to perform and to feel confidence because I see the talent."
Getty ImagesSteffen is back
The former U.S. No. 1 goalkeeper last made an appearance with the national team in March 2022, which is a significant amount of time since being demoted behind Matt Turner.
Steffen has had a tough road back, dealing with a significant injury prior to finding a new home and excelling at times with the Colorado Rapids in MLS this season. With struggles at the goalkeeper position well-documented over the past year, Steffen gives another proven option at that position.
"Yes Steffen, we know him, and I think he deserved the opportunity to be with us," Pochettino said. "I think it's a good opportunity to see him and analyze, but not only with him, if not with all the player that are involved next week."
Pochettino acknowledged circumstances of the players and their clubs factored into the decision-making. Out of the four goalkeepers on this squad, only Turner hasn't seen significant playing this season.
GettyCommunicating with players
Pochettino admitted he hasn't spoken with any players yet, as he wanted to meet the squad in person when they arrived at camp — with one exception: Antonee Robinson by chance.
Robinson and a former player of Pochettino, Ryan Sessegnon, happened to be dining out recently and, by coincidence, bumped into Pochettino at the same restaurant.
"It was a very good chat," Pochettino revealed.
Pochettino's aim is to ramp up communication more following the initial USMNT camp.
"From now, after the initial camps, we are going to be more in contact," he said. "You know, [they are going] to feel that we are going to care, you know, and to look after them, and I'm going to follow them, and to try to push, and to motivate. That is the possibility is going to be the opportunity, if they perform well."
