Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Leander Schaerlaeckens

The USMNT’s 2025 has been tumultuous, but it deserves an optimist’s view

United States' Max Arfsten (18) speaks with head coach Mauricio Pochettino during the first half of a friendly soccer match against Japan, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio.
The US has welcomed interesting depth pieces, like Max Arfsten, into the fold under Pochettino. Photograph: Jeff Dean/AP

Mauricio Pochettino had enough. Just for a minute or two, quickly enough to miss it, he broke free from the unrelenting positivity he appears to have shackled himself to in his year-long spell in charge of the United States men’s national team. For only a few moments, the Argentinian was clearly … como se dice … cranky.

“People sometimes create debate and talk with no sense,” he said on the eve of the USA’s friendly against Japan. “If people want to talk about bullshit, they can talk about bullshit.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.