'We are not here to try to be nice' - USMNT's Mauricio Pochettino acknowledges expectations, pressure ahead of both 2025 Gold Cup and 2026 World Cup

WHAT HAPPENED?

U.S. men's national team manager Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged that pressure is rising for his squad, especially with the 2025 Gold Cup quickly approaching - and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. Yet, the Argentine manager, who was hired in September 2024, said the team still needs to can lean on fans for support.

"We need the fans. And they need, for sure, they are going to support us. And then, too, we need to also create something special," Pochettino said in an interview aired by TNT ahead of the USWNT's match against China on Saturday. "Because in nearly one year, we are going to play the World Cup here. And also I think the fans need to be there, and to test themselves, too. How can they change the team or help the team to achieve what we want?"

Pochettino emphasized that the USMNT are focused on regaining form and achieving tangible results after their disappointment at the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League.

"We are not here to try to be nice, and to play nice soccer," Pochettino said. "And, well, we want to win. And then, if you don't win, always you need to feel the pressure from the fans, of course, and from the media."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite being on the job for less than a year, Pochettino is already under pressure after the USMNT's fourth-place finish at the Nations League Finals. National team legends, including the likes of Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, Herculez Gomez and Alexi Lalas, have been publicly critical of the manager and the squad.

The upcoming Gold Cup gives Pochettino a chance to instill hope into the U.S. fan base, but he faces a tall task with several key stars out, including Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie. He will be boosted by the return of Folarin Balogun - who he has yet to coach - along with emerging stars such as Diego Luna.

DID YOU KNOW?

The USMNT have not won the Gold Cup since 2021 and currently sits on seven Gold Cup wins. Mexico are the competition leaders with nine wins at the tournament.