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New United States coach Mauricio Pochettino can bring a fighting spirit to the national team, Christian Pulisic said after Tuesday's 1-1 draw with New Zealand.
Pulisic's goal was canceled out by Ben Waine's late equalizer in Cincinnati and the AC Milan winger said that he is hopeful Pochettino can instill the fierce mentality and risk-taking edge the team need to compete at the highest level.
Christian Pulisic comes off the bench and gives USA the lead 12 minutes later
Watch live on TNT and Max pic.twitter.com/CpukyOxlt6— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 11, 2024
USMNT concede an unfortunate late equalizer to New Zealand pic.twitter.com/SwOlkFrESK
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 11, 2024
The Argentine coach, who left American-owned Premier League side Chelsea in May after one season in charge, will lead the team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
The U.S. have been without a permanent coach since a humiliating early exit from the Copa America on home soil in July led to the sacking of Gregg Berhalter after his second stint as head coach.
"It's time to turn the page. We really have to pick it up a level," Pulisic told reporters late on Tuesday.
"It feels pretty low right now, but I know there's better times ahead. Hopefully he (Pochettino) brings a culture that is willing to fight, that is willing to take risks and win.
"There are 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 that is the first thing that he is going to want to change."
That look from Christian Pulisic says it all. #USMNT pic.twitter.com/PPkGgVPWzE
— Larry Henry Jr (@lhenry019) September 11, 2024
CP10 on new #USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino ️ pic.twitter.com/Roj9VQD5vs
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) September 11, 2024
Pochettino, a former Paris St Germain and Tottenham Hotspur manager, said his decision to join U.S. soccer was not just about football, but about the journey the country was on and he could not pass up the opportunity.
The U.S. next play friendlies against Panama on Oct. 12 and Mexico three days later.
(Reporting by Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru, Editing by Christian Radnedge)
