Mauricio Pochettino’s odd jab at Tim Weah misread the player and the moment

Mauricio Pochettino told reporters his players should avoid making political statements. Photograph: Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Last week, Mauricio Pochettino began a World Cup year with an unforced error.

At the tail-end of a virtual press conference that covered a wide range of ongoing USMNT business, the 53-year-old Argentine – who has made himself commendably available to the American soccer press – was asked about recent comments by Tim Weah.