Pochettino says US mindset must change, appearing to cite Pulisic absence from 2025 Gold Cup

U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed his intention to alter the mindset of the American national team soccer squad as he begins his second tenure. During a recent online Q&A session with reporters, Pochettino referenced star player Christian Pulisic’s decision to skip the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. According to Pochettino, "It was difficult to make the roster for the Gold Cup one year before because the mindset was different.

You say, ‘If I play, I have not holidays. I cannot arrive fresh for the World Cup.’ ... You know now that is bull----."

The coach emphasized his goal to "change this type of idea that are not right." Pulisic, widely regarded as the top American player, opted to exclude himself from consideration for the 2025 Gold Cup, citing the need to recuperate from a grueling season with AC Milan and the desire to be fully rested for the 2026 World Cup. He did not find the scoring touch in his four World Cup appearances this year, missing a group-stage match due to a calf injury and departing the Americans' round of 16 defeat to Belgium on July 6 after fracturing his right tibia and fibula.

Pulisic had tallied 10 goals in his first 15 matches for AC Milan during the previous season but was absent from the club's final 19 games after December 28. Since his substitution for AC Milan's opening three games this season, he has been a benchwarmer.

Pochettino, who assumed the head coaching position from Gregg Berhalter in the fall of 2024, has inked a four-year contract recently. He plans to unveil his roster on September 17, marking the commencement of his second term. The roster announcement coincides with a double window featuring friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada.

The Americans' first competitive matches since the World Cup are scheduled for November, including CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals. Pochettino concluded his remarks by stating, "A new process, new project, new rules, new principles." He described this as a "new start, a fresh start" and stressed the need to alter habits.