United States Men's National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino voiced his disappointment with the media following a 3-2 defeat to Turkey on Thursday. Pochettino stated that the mood among reporters seemed to focus on the loss as if the team were eliminated, neglecting the fact that the USMNT had already secured the top position in their group.
"The mood is like we [are going] home tonight and Turkey is staying," Pochettino said during a press conference. "I need to [remind] you and everyone that we won the group. Sorry guys, we won."
The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager was responding to questions about the team's perceived loss of momentum heading into the World Cup knockout stage, despite having already won the group. Pochettino had previously indicated a desire for his team to pursue another win, but he opted to field a lineup with many reserves, making nine changes from the starting XI that defeated Australia. This selection strategy did not indicate a strong imperative to win the match.
A victory against Turkey would have marked the first time in the program's history that the USMNT won all three of its group games at a World Cup. However, Pochettino downplayed the significance of achieving this milestone, stating, "Making history is winning the World Cup. It's not winning three matches only within the World Cup. I don't really understand. It's a little bit petty if you will — you're thinking a little too small. You're telling me you could make history — what does it mean to win three matches if you lose the next one?"
Pochettino drew a comparison to Germany, who played a few hours before the USMNT and, despite starting many regular players, also lost to Ecuador. He believes that the United States managed the situation well, including the return of key player Christian Pulisic to action.
Pulisic, an AC Milan forward, had been sidelined due to a calf injury sustained after the first half of the match against Paraguay. "Yes, I'm happy — he finished well," Pochettino said regarding Pulisic's performance. "It was a good impact when he was on the pitch."
The USMNT will now shift its focus to the knockout stage, with a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina scheduled for July 1. Every match of the FIFA World Cup is being broadcast on FOX or FOX Sports 1.