Mauricio Pochettino looks ahead to 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup

Following the draw for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, ussoccer.com spoke with USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino about Group D, the need for the right mentality, and the importance of having the support of the fans.

ussoccer.com: What was your initial reaction to the draw, and how do you assess the strength of the group?

Mauricio Pochettino: “I think it's going to be a difficult group, and it’s important that we respect all of our opponents in the competition. The Gold Cup is historically always a difficult competition, and we are excited to be involved and of course we want to win. It's a good opportunity for us to test different players and see their character and continue to build and prepare the team for the World Cup.”

ussoccer.com: How will you build a competitive mindset in the players against opponents that might be perceived as underdogs?

MP: “The right mindset must be there, because we need to compete for our flag, our country. What we are trying to do as a staff is to optimize every single area of preparation, and the mentality of the players is really important. We need to be intelligent in the way that we are going to select the players and not just choose based on talent alone. We need to have the right characters to be really competitive.”

ussoccer.com: As you look towards building the roster, how have you gone about assessing the player pool?

MP: “Since we took over the project we wanted to identify and scout as many players as possible, both in MLS and those playing abroad. Now after eight months, I think we have a good knowledge and understanding about the player pool and which players we need to see in the future. For sure we have a better picture.”

ussoccer.com: Your first game as head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team was in Austin. What memories do you have from that night, and how will it feel to return?

MP: “For sure we have positive feelings there because it was a great place to make our debut with the national team, I think it was amazing, and yes we are looking forward to meet again all the people in Austin.”

ussoccer.com: What will the team need to do in order to be successful in the Gold Cup?

MP: “For sure to start we must compete hard. We must match the intensity of our opponents, because in these tournaments they are always motivated to play against the USA. Of course we must perform well to win and you don’t always get a result, but for sure in order to win you have to compete. It’s not just about showing up in your home country and trying to play nice soccer. No, you must be proud, you must fight for the people that would love to be in your position, for the millions of kids that are going to see us and dream to be one day where we are. This is type of responsibility and commitment we need to show in a different way than we did in Los Angeles.”