Follow usUSA manager Mauricio Pochettino defended his footballer and claimed criticism of the team should be directed at him and not his players after a 2-0 win vs. Japan at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.
“I want people to criticize me, but don’t talk negatively about my footballers,” Mauricio shared with the media. “I hope in the upcoming matches they will criticize me, but don’t put the blame on the footballers, and they can be free to perform at their highest level.”
A #USMNT desperate for some positivity and confidence secured a 2-0 win over Japan in what was one of its best performances of the year under coach Mauricio Pochettino.
It was just the second win in nine tries over a top-30 FIFA-ranked team under Pochettino since he took over… pic.twitter.com/Q7ANa1L1Tr
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 10, 2025
The goals for the victory of the United States were scored by Alejandro Zendejas and Folarin Balogun, as the win represented a turnaround for the head coach, who lost his previous 2 games after South Korea beat his team a few days ago, and before that, Mexico defeated the USA in the final of the Gold Cup 2 months ago.
Pochettino demanded more time for his project that started in the past year: “We must be patient, because the footballers need to know me, my staff, and we must adapt to each other,” claimed the ex-PSG and Tottenham boss. “The crucial thing is the process.”
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