Ep 398: Unpacking Pochettino’s USMNT Strategy and How Coaches Climb the Soccer Ladder

In this episode, we discuss Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure with the USMNT, exploring how his bold approach—calling up MLS players and challenging the entitlement of A-listers—is shaking up the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

We go into why his strategy to test depth and foster competitive fire is critical, even if it ruffles feathers among fans.

Plus, we answer a listener’s question on climbing the coaching ladder, breaking down the dual paths of mastering your craft and navigating the politics of the American soccer ecosystem.

00:00 Intro
03:13 Conclusions and Reactions to the USMNT September Window
03:41 Sub: USMNT Fans Can’t See Beyond Results
07:58 MLS Win/Win With Pochettino Hiring
10:49 Sub: Fan’s Superficial View of the Player Pool
11:49 Sub: Remember when the fans were Calling USMNT A-Team SOFT
12:35 Sub: Poch is Desperate (and why he’s nice to MLS)
13:59 Explanation for Pochettino Calling MLS Players
17:37 A, B, and C Team Mythology
20:02 Sub: MLS Could Make Potentially Great Players Look Like Shit
21:57 Sub: MLS Holds Players Hostage
23:43 Sub: Poch Preparing MLS Player’s via Experience
25:25 Does Gary Care About the USMNT?
27:30 Sub: Has Pochettino Said the Right Things?
30:21 Sub: Gary’s Hope for USMNT in the World Cup
31:58 Sub: Pochettino Visiting College Football Game
34:39 Did USSF Hire Pochettino Because He Hasn’t wont Trophies?
36:38 Sub: How Fans / Non-Practitioners Think
37:50 Sub: Who Will be The Next USMNT Coach?
39:44 Rant on “Legends”
44:30 Is There a USMNT Style of Play?
47:38 Sub: Pochettino Putting Pressure on the A-listers
48:33 Sub: Does Diego Luna, Agyemang, McGlynn Make the World Cup?
50:25 Coaching Development and Promotions
51:12 Sub: Be a Winner
52:49 Sub: Playing Politics and Networking
53:53 Sub: Win and Play Politics
55:03 Sub: Coaching Licenses and Putting it all Together
57:42 Why It’s Important for Youth Parents and Coaches to Be Informed About the USMNT and Pro Levels

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