Pochettino defends USMNT players: “Critique me” not they

United States Coach Mauricio Pochettino defended his players and said critique of the team should be directed at him, not his roster after Tuesday 2-0 win over Japan At Lover.com field in Columbus, Ohio.

“I prefer people criticizing me, but they don’t touch the player,” Pochettino said. “I hope in the future, criticize me, criticize me, but let the players are free, go and perform.”

Guided by goals from Alejandro zendejas and Captain onlineA friendly victory represented a reversal for a manager who went out briefly with the loss on Saturday South Korea And the loss in Mexico in the Gold Cup final in July. Movement in the match against Japan, Pochettino monitored losses in six of 11 previous matches.

As for noise and pressure before dealing with Japan, the Argentine coach who was “so pleased” with his latest victory, called more patience with his project that began last year.

“(We needed a time) because players need to know us, we need to know us, we need to adapt to them, we need to adapt to the player,” he said first Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur Coach. “We need to know the players … It’s a big picture we’re talking about (about it) but sometimes people want the result tomorrow and why you don’t call it (a player) or call it or call it or call it.

“(What’s) bridge Important is the process. The most important Today, (is it’s about the player really believing in what we are doing. That they respect them. We are capable to build that Relationships … Give Time To The Process and The Process Is Going To Work, for Sure. “

As for Zendea’s, a club American star left with Goldface The movement, Pochettino admitted that his latest beginning strengthened his case for a brighter world cup.

“We are so satisfied because, with our performance, he doubted us in (our ideas),” Pochettino said. “With this type of performance, he is in the Roster World Cup race.”

Again, noting criticism at the end of his press conference, Pochettino also greeted the verdict and assessing his current preparations for 2026. Year.

“I know when you criticize or give an opinion, because sometimes you can look at something different from different perspectives,” Pochettino said. “I know it’s good to see and read it. Continue to go this way because it makes us better.”

Zendejas achieved when he took a long transition on the left Max Arfsten and reversed with the left foot from a criminal place for its second goal at 13 international performances. He was not with the National Team since November.

“I’m just waiting for my moment,” said Zendejas after the game. “I didn’t expect me to call.”

Balogun has achieved its sixth international goal after Christian PulisicThrough the passage, beating the goalkeeper Keisuke Osako with the left angle angles in the far place away.

“We are building something big here. It is obvious that the main coach and it takes time and tried to emphasize that to be patient,” Balogan said. “Self-confidence, I think it really matters. The results are at the end of the day in which the type of industry in which we are located.”

Balogun was a late list of list, joins the first time since Pochettino took over as a coach. It was injured much last season, the application of Pochettino and his staff to doubt if it should be called.

Looking up in advance in their current preparation of the World Cup, Pochettino and the United States will participate in the friendship of next month against Ecuador 10. October and Australia 14. October.