Trump puts a lot of pressure on Son Heung-min's teacher...To the top of American football? It takes 10 years
Mar 19, 2025
|
|
The Guardian reported on the 19th (Korea Standard Time) "Pressure is a factor that always follows Mauricio Pochettino" "Currently, he is preparing for the 2026 World Cup as the head coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team" He then reported that he felt pressured to see U.S. President Donald Trump meet FIFA President Infantino at the White House.
At the time, President Trump told Infantino "Can the United States win?" asked. Infantino immediately replied "Yes". Pochettino is said to be disappointed with Infantino's answer.
Pochettino said "President Infantino said 'Yes', but I was disappointed with the answer"He had to answer "You have to ask Pochettino, who is a great coach. " Then I could have given you a better opinion.'
Pochettino is speculated to have given such an answer because he was aware of the wide gap with the world's soccer powerhouse given the realistic situation of the U.S. national team.
Pochettino now believes that U.S. football has reached a turning point. Just as MLS was created after the 1994 World Cup, this 2026 World Cup could be another catalyst for change.
Pochettino said `America has always been a mystery place. I wanted to experience a different culture and watched NFL games"But some players didn't play soccer for the first time until they were 12 years old. We need to adapt."
|
|
Pochettino said, `Now the U.S. national soccer team travels to several cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Miami. If you look at other sports in the United States, they have a solid home base"There was no such place in football. But it will be different when the Atlanta training center is created. It will be the basis for the U.S. to become a soccer powerhouse."
He also praised Lionel Messi for his presence.
Pochettino said, `Lionel Messi is a great help to the development of U.S. football as he plays in MLSThe construction of the Atlanta training center will have just as much of an impact as Messi. In the next five to 10 years, the United States could be the best in the world."
Pochettino also talked about the pressure he is experiencing as a coach of the U.S. national team.
He said "America always wants to win not only in sports, but in every field. Our players will be under a lot of pressure as well."And President Trump puts more pressure on them. But it is welcome. We need that level of adrenaline to achieve our goal. We are ready," he said, expressing his ambition.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
