Christian Pulisic expressed his optimism in hiring Mauricio Pochettino as the new United States men’s soccer coach.
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Pulisic on board with Pochettino hiring
Pochettino, 52, has signed a two-year contract to coach United States after spending a year in Chelsea.
The Argentine coach replaces Gregg Berhalter, who was dismissed after the USA’s group-stage exit from the Copa America.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is currently struggling post-Copa America.
The team endured a 5-1 defeat to Colombia in a pre-tournament friendly.
They also suffered a 2-1 loss to Canada on Saturday in Kansas City, Kansas.
Pulisic stated that it’s time for the USMNT to embrace change under Pochettino’s reign.
“It’s time to turn the page and we really have to pick it up a level,” the AC Milan winger said. “Everyone is part of this and it feels pretty low right now, but I know there’s better times ahead.”
What to expect from Pochettino
US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker led the search for the next USMNT coach and ultimately hired Pochettino.
“Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams,” he said in a statement.
“His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad.”
Pochettino saw massive success in Premier League, where he led Tottenham to their first UEFA Champions League Final in 2019.
He also won Coupe de France and the Trophee des Champions with Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain.
Pulisic said he is expecting Pochettino to bring the winning culture to the team.
“Hopefully a culture that is willing to fight, that is willing to take risks. There’s a lot of things that need to change, just the mentality and the culture of the group. I think we have the quality but I know hopefully that’s the first thing that he is going to want to change.”
