Mauricio Pochettino: ‘No one sees the USA as a contender’

TL;DR

Pochettino's childhood in Santa Fe, Argentina, was shaped by watching the 1978 World Cup and idolizing players like Kempes and Ardiles.
He sees coaching the US national team, especially as hosts, as a unique and motivating challenge outside his comfort zone.
Pochettino aims to build the team by fostering a collaborative culture and understanding the US's distinct sporting landscape and cultural idiosyncrasies.
He believes the US has the potential to become a soccer powerhouse, citing the growth of MLS, the impact of Messi, and the large Latino population.
Pochettino emphasizes the importance of building an emotional relationship with the game from a young age, contrasting it with a more robotic approach.
He addresses the US's tendency towards 'arrogance' and the need for balance when competing against nations with a century of football history.
Pochettino prioritizes building trust with the players and staff, focusing on intellectual capacity and performance rather than imposing his will.
He views the national team's role as uniting people through the values of football, rather than engaging in political debates or creating further conflict.
Pochettino believes in creating and chasing dreams, asserting that the 'impossible' can be achieved in football with strong belief.

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