Ahead of the USA’s clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on Wednesday, head coach Mauricio Pochettino issued an apology.
The Argentine began by apologising to reporters over his reaction to a question regarding momentum following their recent 3-2 group stage finale defeat to Turkey. At the time, Pochettino blasted the questions as “weird” and accused the American of acting like the USA had been knocked out already.
The match was largely inconsequential for both nations, with the USMNT having already clinched the Group D title and secured their place in the Round of 32 beforehand, thanks to victories over Paraguay and Australia, while Türkiye had already been knocked out of knockout contention.
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Consequently, Pochettino made nine alterations to his starting XI, with his team appearing destined for a 2-2 stalemate until deep into stoppage time when Kaan Ayhan netted the winner.
This led some to query whether this defeat would damage the squad’s belief going into the Round of 32, where they’ll aim to claim their first World Cup knockout victory since 2002.
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Speaking on Tuesday, Pochettino said: “I was frustrated and disappointed. It was my problem, not your problem. I was upset after the defeat, and I’m sorry.”
Looking ahead to Wednesday’s fixture at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Pochettino said: “For us it’s the final of the World Cup tomorrow. If we don’t think in this way we are going to struggle.”
View 3 ImagesPochettino hit out at the questions after the USA’s loss to Turkey(Image: John Dorton/USSF, Getty Images)
Pochettino also referenced both Germany and the Netherlands‘ surprise eliminations on Monday, stating: “We saw yesterday that no game is easy for anyone. It’s all in. If we go through, then it’s another final.”
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager observed that, in his view, there are no such things as favourites, highlighting not only Germany’s loss to Paraguay but also Brazil’s slender victory against Japan.
One pitfall the USMNT could succumb to is the emotion of the moment, something Pochettino is keenly conscious of. “A game like tomorrow is 85 percent, maybe 90 percent emotional,” he explained.
View 3 ImagesPochettino is looking to guide the USMNT to its first World Cup knockout stage win since 2002(Image: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“If we can reduce that to 70, 60, 50, in order to play, and wait to put in the emotional side at the end, I think it’s much better. But it’s difficult to reduce for both teams.
“In soccer, unpredictable things can happen, but we’re trying to reduce that. To play free, and enjoy it. As Jorge Valdano said to me, ‘Relaxation brings concentration.'”
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