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USA national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has expressed his desire to bring Argentine passion and competitive spirit into his squad.
Working with mostly MLS players ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Venezuela, Pochettino acknowledged the growth in the league’s standard but emphasized the need for a relentless drive, similar to the one embodied by Argentina’s world champions.
“The mentality is what I want to bring from Argentina. When you lose, you feel it deeply,” said Pochettino after training at Inter Miami’s facilities. “It’s about defending your flag and your culture, and making sure you feel something when you hear your anthem.”
Pochettino believes that such patriotic pride can translate into better performance, giving players an extra energy boost. He added, “If you feel that, you’ll give more—whether it’s 1% or 10%, it makes a difference.”
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where the USA will co-host with Mexico and Canada, Pochettino is focused on building a competitive, disciplined team with a deep sense of pride and identity.
