Mauricio Pochettino (foto: Getty Images)
Analyzing Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical adjustments from the Panama win and previewing what to expect from a weakened USMNT squad against rivals Mexico.
The much-anticipated arrival of Mauricio Pochettino to the USMNT camp has already provided intriguing insights. After a solid 2-0 win over Panama, the team now faces a far tougher test as they travel to face arch-rivals Mexico. Despite Mexico’s recent struggles, playing in Guadalajara will present a massive challenge, and with several key U.S. players missing, Pochettino’s task becomes even harder.
The USMNT will be without stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi, Marlon Fossey, and Zack Steffen, all of whom returned to their clubs due to workload concerns or injuries. This leaves Pochettino with a weakened squad—a U.S. reserve team that must compete against a Mexico team, which, although out of form, remains a tough opponent.
Still, Pochettino has started implementing tactical ideas, making his second game against Mexico a critical moment in his tenure. With all this in mind, the writers at GOAL US break down what we’ve learned so far from Pochettino’s reign and what to expect from this crucial encounter against Mexico.
What is your biggest takeaway from the 2-0 win over Panama?
Tom Hindle: “Pochettino is groovy! There are ideas forming here, modern football sort of being pieced together in a coherent way. Proper build-up structures are a thing now, as is the idea that the USMNT can be tactically intelligent. Turns out that when you have a tactically literate manager and a bunch of players who kind of know what they’re doing, this whole sport is a bit more interesting—even in 2-0 wins over far weaker opponents. This will take a little time, but there’s a system and a buy-in. Consider me intrigued.”
Jacob Schneider: “The U.S. played as a complete unit in the second half. Yunus Musah doesn’t score if Josh Sargent doesn’t draw defenders away from him. The players off the bench made an impact, too, with Haji Wright and Ricardo Pepi combining for the second goal. Everyone took their opportunity for the most part, which is exactly what you want to see.”
Alex Labidou: “The confidence is back. While the game against Panama wasn’t perfect—and the visitors could have easily scored once or twice with better finishing—the U.S. showed determination throughout. In the latter stages of Gregg Berhalter’s tenure and during the September friendlies, this was the type of match that the U.S. would have either drawn or lost. It was encouraging to see the team have the resolve to pull it out.”
Ryan Tolmich: “It may not totally be there yet, but this team is going to look very different as this Pochettino project moves on. He didn’t reinvent the wheel against Panama tactically, but there were already tweaks designed to get new things out of players. It’s clear that Pochettino is willing to adapt his style to the pieces he has in play, which makes you wonder what he’ll do once half of his biggest pieces aren’t injured or unavailable.”
With big names missing, what would be considered success against Mexico?
Tom Hindle: “A good performance would be ideal, and, hopefully, a further development of the tactical ideas shown against Panama. Three points is obviously the target, but with so many guys sent home, it might not be entirely realistic. A draw in hostile territory and some good football for spells would suit the U.S. just fine.”
Jacob Schneider: “It’s still must-win for the USMNT. Poch’s first camp aside, this team is good enough to beat El Tri, and frankly, they need to. Bring into context that the U.S. is third in the CONCACAF Power Index rankings. They need a win over Mexico to climb into the top two to avoid a group-stage winner in November’s quarterfinals of the Nations League.”
Alex Labidou: “This feels like a way to have a built-in excuse for any result. If the U.S. beats a full-strength Mexico team, then the Poch magic is in full effect. If the team draws or loses, then the reasons are obvious. Ultimately, the fans are the biggest losers here, but with these matches being friendlies and not FIFA-mandated fixtures, there is not much that can be done.”
Ryan Tolmich: “Win. Nothing short of that. Pochettino has set the expectation that every game matters, and a visit to Mexico is always going to matter more than just any game. Yes, there are absences, which is an excuse, but it’s also an opportunity.”
Who will be the X-factor for the USMNT against Mexico?
Tom Hindle: “With a lot of the big guns out, it’s hard to highlight a single individual who’s going to change this game for the U.S. But a good performance from Josh Sargent would be a start. He got a lot of heat for his showing against Panama—he did miss a couple of good chances. But his movement was excellent throughout.”
Jacob Schneider: “Brandon Vazquez. Without Pepi available vs. Mexico, he will be given a shot either in the XI or off the bench. He’s familiar with the altitude and physicality of the opposition. A dominant force in the air, it’ll be interesting to see if the U.S. plans a crossing game around him.”
Alex Labidou: “This is tricky because, in theory, most observers want to see the entire team continue to progress under Pochettino. But Haji Wright is a man to watch. Wright hasn’t done much for the national team since the 2022 World Cup, but against Mexico in Guadalajara? That’s a chance to make a statement.”
What did we learn about Pochettino from the Panama game?
Tom Hindle: “That he has a vision for the way this team should play. Setting up an international side, historically, has been rather tricky. There are limited windows to work with your team, so trying to set up positional play is tricky. But it seems that Poch is set on doing it. For now, that’s pretty exciting.”
Jacob Schneider: “He values workrate and has drilled tactical ideas into the squad during this camp. The most notable was Musah playing as a right-sided midfielder, allowing space to open up in the center of the pitch, while seeing Brenden Aaronson tuck inside at times.”
Alex Labidou: “The confidence that emanates from Pochettino onto the pitch. One of the things that immediately stood out about him is his self-assured nature. His implementation of ideas was clear even with only four days of practice.”
Ryan Tolmich: “It’s less about Poch and more about how the players react to him. Pochettino has already put his stamp on things, and the players, from Day 1, seem to have bought in. The biggest lesson so far? This transition might move a bit quicker than many expected.”