New United States men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino is overseeing his first training camp with the players as the squad prepares for two October friendlies. Veteran defender Tim Ream says that Pochettino’s sessions are another level of demanding.
Ream appeared on the ”Player / Manager” podcast and shared what the first few days have been like working under Pochettino.
Tim Ream Pochettino comments
“It’s INTENSE…the longest training session in my 14 years.”
Tim Ream on the 1st #USMNT camp w Pochettino. pic.twitter.com/EXCw16v7FP— PLAYER / MANAGER (@Player__Manager) October 9, 2024
Competing every moment. pic.twitter.com/KFzJwEuxSC
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) October 8, 2024
Concentration and focus. pic.twitter.com/30pZXHfBGg
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) October 7, 2024
The work ethic of the USMNT was often criticized in the previous years under former head coach Gregg Berhalter. Fans felt there was level of complacency with the players on the national team.
Star U.S. forward Christian Pulisic said in September that a lot needs to change with the USMNT including the culture and mentality.
Pulisic on Pochettino’s arrival: “There’s a lot of things that need to change. Just the mentality & the culture of the group, we have the quality. I know hopefully that’s the first thing he wants to change”
Raw, brutal & realistic words from the captain pic.twitter.com/ria49Q3hRB— Michele Giannone (@MicheleG3) September 11, 2024
It’s still early on, however from Ream’s accounts it seems that Pochettino is implementing an increased work rate.
The USMNT squad competing in this international window is a battered one that sees a litany of players out injured. Usual starters like Gio Reyna, Folarin Balogun, Timothy Weah, Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards and more are all out for this camp.
Injured USMNT players heading into the October friendlies.
Folarin Balogun
Gio Reyna
Tim Weah
Johnny Cardoso
Chris Richards
Tyler Adams
Sergino Dest
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Kevin Paredes
Diego Kochen
Caleb Wiley
Luca de la Torre
Richard…— USMNT Otaku (@USMNTOtaku) October 6, 2024
Pochettino’s first two tests will be a home friendly vs. Panama in Austin, Texas, on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET followed by a trip down south to Mexico to face El Tri on Tuesday.
USMNT fans will be eager and anxious to see Pochettino’s first results.
