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Looks like Gregg Berhalter wasn’t the only problem, folks.
The U.S. men’s national team suffered a 2-1 loss against Canada on Saturday, becoming the only defeat against the Maples on U.S. soil since 1957. They did so with American manager, Jesse Marsch, leading Canada on the bench.
The USMNT, who had a plethora of big-name absences due to rest and injuries, played perhaps one of their most lackluster matches, doing so in front of an even more lackluster crowd of under 12,000 fans. And according to interim head coach, Mikey Varas, it’s no coincidence.
Watch: Interim head coach Mikey Varas slams USMNT players for poor mentality
Following the defeat and in the post-match press conference, interim head coach and former Gregg Berhalter assistant, Mikey Varas, did not hold back when it came down to criticizing the squad for their efforts — saying the players lacked a strong mentality throughout their loss against Canada.
“Mentality is on the players. They know it,” said Varas.
“The mentality to fight and to run and to sacrifice, I can’t do that for them. That’s on them,” he added.
USMNT interim coach Mikey Varas criticized the players' mentality after the Canada loss.
“Mentality is on the players. They know it. … The mentality to fight and to run and to sacrifice, I can’t that for them. That’s on them."(h/t @TWDTV1) pic.twitter.com/kxW0W94bCv
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) September 8, 2024
Tim Ream hits at USMNT squad: "You can't coach intensity."
USMNT veteran, Tim Ream, also had his fair-share of criticism toward the squad, saying the team lacked intensity.
"You can't coach intensity," Ream said. "At the end of the day, you have to look in the mirror... everybody can get to a certain point physically, but can you deal with the ups and downs mentally?
"And can you bring the intensity to every single training session and every single game? And if you don't, you're going to get punished, and you're going to get results like we did today."
The USMNT, amidst the official announcement of Mauricio Pochettino as new head coach, will face off against New Zealand this Tuesday, Sept. 10 in their second of two matches scheduled during this international window. Let's hope there's something positive to look back on at the final whistle.
