"From the moment Mauricio Pochettino took over as manager of the U.S. men's national team, time has been his enemy. He took over with less than two years to go until the U.S. co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico. With no World Cup qualifying, there were few competitive games to observe and assess his roster. Friendlies only get a team so far."
"Injuries have plagued the USMNT almost since the day that Pochettino was appointed, and this roster is no different. Presumed regulars like AC Milan's Christian Pulisic, Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, Fulham's Antonee Robinson and Marseille's Timothy Weah are out with various ailments. The same is true for some players pushing for a roster spot, like Vancouver Whitecaps defender Tristan Blackmon, Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers and Club América's Alejandro Zendejas."
"With just one more standalone international window in March, followed by the pre-World Cup get-together sometime in May, there doesn't appear to be much time left for Pochettino to settle on his best lineup and then -- perhaps most importantly -- fine-tune things. Pochettino, for his part, insisted he's not worried. The core principles have been laid down, and while it perhaps took longer than it should have, the players have adapted to the manager's expectations."
Mauricio Pochettino assumed USMNT leadership with under two years until the U.S. co-hosts the 2026 World Cup, leaving limited competitive opportunities to assess players. Persistent injuries have sidelined regulars such as Christian Pulisic, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson and Timothy Weah, and have affected several players competing for roster spots. Weston McKennie was left off the roster and will acclimate to a new club manager. Only one standalone international window in March and a May pre-World Cup gathering remain, constraining time to finalize a lineup and fine-tune tactics. Pochettino says core principles and culture are in place.
Read at ESPN.com
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