Mauricio Pochettino plays it safe with first US squad

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LOS ANGELES – Mauricio Pochettino played it safe with his first US men’s national team squad on Oct 2, as he retained a slew of familiar names for a pair of October friendlies but made clear that the door is open to anyone.

The Argentinian, who took charge of the side in September, named a 25-man roster that includes 19 players who were at the 2024 Copa America where the Americans suffered a humiliating early exit on home soil that led to the sacking of Gregg Berhalter.

“What we want to feel from them is their commitment, their personality, their character and their capacity to adapt to a new era, a new way to approach the games,” Pochettino told reporters during a conference call.

“And I think that is going to be the key, the capacity for them to think in the collective, to think and to give everything to try to be better like a national team.”

Among those in the squad are usual suspects like Christian Pulisic, who has enjoyed a red-hot start to the season with AC Milan, Weston McKennie and Tim Weah.

Pochettino, who parted ways with Premier League side Chelsea in May after one season in charge, also said the roster could see plenty of change down the road as he is keeping close tabs on a number of players who are not part of the October camp.

“We were thinking a little bit in some players, I’m not going to give the names because it wouldn’t be fair,” he said.

“But yes, we are starting to follow some very good players that I think have the potential and maybe are not now in the roster but for sure they are going to be in the roster in the future.”

One notable addition to Pochettino’s squad is goalkeeper Zack Steffen, whose last call-up came in March 2023 and who was dropped by Berhalter.

Steffen, who has had a strong season with MLS (Major League Soccer) side Colorado Rapids after several years in Europe, will be looking to earn his first cap since World Cup qualifying in March 2022.

“We have an excellent professional working, following and analysing all the players... and I think Steffen we know him and I think he deserved an opportunity to be with us,” added Pochettino.

The US, who have won just one of their last seven games, host Panama on Oct 12 in Austin, Texas, before facing Mexico in Guadalajara three days later. REUTERS, AFP

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