Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino spent the week in South Florida training a group of predominantly MLS-based players ahead of a friendly against Venezuela on Saturday.
While impressed by the progress MLS has made in recent years, the Argentine emphasized the importance of instilling the relentless desire to win that has become synonymous with Argentina’s world champions.
”One thing from Argentina that I can apply here is the way they compete,” Pochettino said during a session at Inter Miami’s facility. “Argentine players have a mentality. When you lose a ball, it hurts. When you lose a game, you might spend a week in your room, not wanting to go out.
”Defending your badge, flag, identity, and culture is crucial. That’s what we want to translate here. When you play for your national team and hear your anthem, you should feel something deeply inside you,” he added.
Having previously coached Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, Pochettino believes patriotic pride can give players an edge. “When you feel that connection, it might add 1, 5, or even 10 percent more to your performance. It brings extra energy and effort,” he said.
Dressed in a baseball cap and tracksuit, the 52-year-old expressed confidence in his squad. “We have the quality, capacity, professionalism, and discipline to build a very competitive team,” he said.
With the USA set to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, Pochettino’s focus is on preparing the team for upcoming challenges, including the CONCACAF Nations League Finals in March and the Gold Cup in June.
However, for Saturday’s match and a friendly against Costa Rica in Orlando next Wednesday, Pochettino cannot rely on European-based players, such as AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic, due to the games falling outside FIFA’s official international windows.
The January transfer window has also affected his squad, with left-back John Tolkin recently transferring from New York Red Bulls to Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel. Other players are also involved in transfer talks, and Pochettino noted that many consult with him and his staff.
”It’s a sign of trust,” he said. “Being part of their decision-making process means a lot to us.”
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