Mauricio Pochettino is under increasing pressure to finalize the 26-man roster for the USMNT ahead of the World Cup. With just over a year to go before the tournament kicks off, Pochettino must make crucial decisions on which players will join him in the competition. However, with injuries and other factors affecting several high-profile players, it's clear that no one can feel safe about their spot in the squad.
The absence of key players like Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Chris Richards, and Malik Tillman from the team's recent friendlies has raised eyebrows. Pulisic, who was injured in an October match, is now focusing on recovery and believes it's best for everyone if he takes time to rest and allow other players to step up.
Pochettino acknowledges that making decisions will be challenging, especially with a large pool of talented players vying for spots. He prefers to identify the 26 players who he truly believes are part of his squad before any potential injuries or setbacks occur. However, he also recognizes that being involved in the team and then having to leave is harsher than selecting from scratch.
With just over a year left before the World Cup begins, Pochettino faces an uphill task in making these tough decisions while ensuring that every player has a chance to prove themselves.
The absence of key players like Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Chris Richards, and Malik Tillman from the team's recent friendlies has raised eyebrows. Pulisic, who was injured in an October match, is now focusing on recovery and believes it's best for everyone if he takes time to rest and allow other players to step up.
Pochettino acknowledges that making decisions will be challenging, especially with a large pool of talented players vying for spots. He prefers to identify the 26 players who he truly believes are part of his squad before any potential injuries or setbacks occur. However, he also recognizes that being involved in the team and then having to leave is harsher than selecting from scratch.
With just over a year left before the World Cup begins, Pochettino faces an uphill task in making these tough decisions while ensuring that every player has a chance to prove themselves.