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| United States' Tanner Tessman celebrates his goal during the second half of an international friendly soccer game against Uruguay,<저작권자(c) APYonhap News, 무단 전재-재배포, AI 학습 및 활용 금지> |
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"I'm not a cleaner, I'm a director!"
Mauricio Pochettino, the coach of the U.S. national team who is Son Heung-min's teacher, played a cold war of words by exposing his discomfort to reporters right after his victory over Uruguay.
Pochettino's U.S. led 4-0 in a friendly match against Uruguay at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida, on the 19th, thanks to Berhater's first goal in the 17th minute, Freeman's multi-goal in the 21st and 32nd minutes, and Luna's net in the 43rd minute, and gave De Arasketa a comeback goal in the extra time of the first half, but Bentancourt was sent off in the second half and Tessmann pushed the finishing goal in the 24th minute of the second half to win a 5-1 victory.
Despite the record-breaking victory, however, the atmosphere at the press conference was chilly. Coach Pochettino expressed his frustration by arguing with reporters.In particular, he couldn't hide his displeasure with a reporter's question about hiring a rotation.
Pochettino has used as many as 71 players in the span of more than a year since he took over as U.S. coach. His performance is 13 wins, 7 losses and 2 draws, and he is not in a stable situation as he continues to experiment countless times. "The main players are not clearWhen asked ", Pochettino strongly protested. "Who's the main player?," he asked back.
When the reporter tried to supplement the question, Pochettino interrupted, "Should I stop the press conference, go to the dressing room, and then come back and start?" he responded. "Speak as if we're a one-on-five losing team. I'm an American director, not a cleaner.' Then, Pochettino said "What kind of player is he saying 'main game'?" I don't understand that."
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| United States' John Tonkin (3) and Diego Luna (10) celebrate Luna's goal during the first half of an international friendly soccer game against Uruguay (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)<저작권자(c) APYonhap News, 무단 전재-재배포, AI 학습 및 활용 금지> |
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| United States' Alex Freeman (16) scores on Uruguay goalie Cristopher Fiermarin (1) as Rodrigo Bentancur (6) defends during the first half of an international friendly soccer game Tuesday, <저작권자(c) APYonhap News, 무단 전재-재배포, AI 학습 및 활용 금지> |
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| Uruguay's Brian Rodriguez (18) and United States' John Tonkin (3) battle for the ball during the second half of an international friendly soccer game, <저작권자(c) Yonhap News, 무단 전재-재배포, AI 학습 및 활용 금지> |
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When the journalist explains that it means 'more experienced player', Pochettino in succession "Who? Who is it?", and did not hide his displeasure.
"I think we should praise the players rather than express that," Pochettino said. If a player who listens to the press conference thinks 'I'm not the main player', I'll be disappointed even if I did well in the game'"Honestly, I'm tired and maybe I misunderstood English, but the first two questions are really disappointing. What do you want me to answer?" countered.
Local media interpreted Pochettino's emotions as being expressed during the press conference at a time when he felt pressure ahead of the North Korea-China World Cup. It is only six months away from the World Cup hosted by the country.
In his first year of debut, Pochettino showed confidence in the team's solidarity and direction. "I really appreciate that the players and staff are starting to connect as one. In order to face strong teams in the World Cup, it is most important for the team to unite as one. We changed nine players against Paraguay, but we still maintained the same philosophy, belief, determination and team spirit," he stressed.
Coach Pochettino, who was recently rumored to return to Tottenham, reiterated his firm affection and willingness for the U.S. national team. "Since leaving Tottenham in 2019, my name has always been mentioned. But such rumors always happen. Everyone will know if something actually happens. This is very satisfying, and it's not the time to talk about that." "Look at this situation today. If you look at where I am, and where we are, the answer is clear," he added.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
