USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino was visibly frustrated after a 1-0 defeat to Panama in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals. The loss ended the USMNT’s chance to remain the only team to have won the Nations League.
The U.S. dominated possession, but failed to create chances, registering an xG of 0.68. Panama took advantage of this and scored a late winner through substitute Cecilio Waterman in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time.
Pochettino criticized his team’s slow start, saying they played too comfortably without being incisive. The team improved after halftime, but still struggled with creativity. Pochettino hinted that he was waiting to introduce players like Giovanni Reyna and Diego Luna into the match.
The loss exposed a lack of aggression in the USMNT’s play, which Pochettino emphasized is crucial to success. He wants his team to take risks, go forward, and win duels, rather than playing safe and being content with simply showing up in their national team shirt.
The U.S. will face Canada in the third-place consolation game on Sunday, regardless of who they draw. Pochettino’s message remains clear: more scrappiness and aggression are needed to achieve success in football.
Source: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44336896/usmnt-pochettino-wearing-shirt-not-enough