Mauricio Pochettino said the U.S. men’s national team does not need another emotional boost before its World Cup opener. The coach said the focus now is on readiness, not speeches, ahead of Friday’s match against Paraguay.
At Thursday’s news conference in Inglewood, Calif., Pochettino said the team must arrive prepared mentally and emotionally, and that no pregame talk can replace that work. “If you aren’t ready, sorry guys, it’s impossible to perform,” he said.
All 26 players are available
Pochettino confirmed that all 26 players are available for selection, including defender Chris Richards, who returned to full training this week after recovering from a sprained ankle. The coach said the staff would decide whether Richards starts or begins on the bench.
He also said a starting lineup has already been chosen, though he did not reveal it. Pochettino added that the group is in a positive place and that the medical and performance staffs deserve credit for getting the squad to this point.
A tougher opener than it looks
Friday’s game at SoFi Stadium will be the United States’ first World Cup match of the tournament, and Pochettino described Paraguay as a dangerous opponent. He pointed to Paraguay’s qualifying wins over Argentina and Brazil as proof of the challenge ahead.
“My expectation is [Friday] is going to be a very tough game,” he said, adding that Gustavo Alfaro’s team is competitive, aggressive and well coached. He said he respects and admires Alfaro and expects a difficult opening night.
Pochettino also looked back on the progress the team has made over his 20 months in charge. He said the squad’s consistency and change in mindset have been major reasons for the improvement, and he called that shift a possible legacy for the future.
The U.S. is hosting the World Cup with Canada and Mexico for the first time since 1994, and Pochettino said the team wants to connect with supporters through passion and results. He said the group needs to win games and make fans proud of what they see on the field.
Asked how the team can inspire the kind of celebration seen in other sports and countries, Pochettino said the answer starts with performance. He noted that the fans were already behind the team after friendlies in Charlotte and Chicago, and said that support will matter as the tournament begins.