Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard: The Pochettino Interview
Release Date: June 3, 2025
In a compelling episode of Unfiltered Soccer, co-hosts Landon Donovan and Tim Howard sit down with Mauricio Pochettino, the esteemed head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT). This in-depth conversation delves into the team’s preparations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup hosted in North America, the unique pressures of playing on home soil, roster management, and Pochettino’s vision for the future of U.S. soccer. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of their discussion.
1. Welcoming Mauricio Pochettino
The episode kicks off with Landon Donovan warmly welcoming Pochettino, highlighting the excitement and anticipation among fans to hear insights from one of soccer’s most respected coaches.
Landon Donovan [00:00]:
“We have the really amazing honor of interviewing U.S. men's National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino.”
Pochettino expresses his gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to discuss football with Donovan and Howard, emphasizing his honor in being part of the conversation.
2. Preparing for the 2026 World Cup
Pochettino outlines the comprehensive efforts undertaken by the federation and coaching staff in preparation for the World Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino [02:02]:
“The federation and all the staff and the people involved... are helping us build something and create a legacy for the future.”
He emphasizes the collaborative efforts in building new training facilities and fostering a sustainable soccer culture, aiming not just for immediate success but for long-term growth in U.S. soccer.
3. The Pressure of Hosting a World Cup
Discussing the implications of hosting the World Cup, Pochettino reflects on both the immense support and the heightened pressure it brings.
Mauricio Pochettino [04:43]:
“There is massive pressure because the mentality and the culture of this country is about to win.”
He acknowledges the duality of hosting the tournament—while it galvanizes national pride and support, it also demands that the team performs exceptionally to meet high expectations.
4. Shifting Global Perceptions of U.S. Soccer
Pochettino addresses the evolving global perception of U.S. soccer, noting advancements and ongoing challenges.
Mauricio Pochettino [08:24]:
“We cannot talk easy about it, but the players and the coaching quality in MLS are improving significantly.”
He highlights the influence of high-caliber players like Lionel Messi, who enhance the league’s reputation, and underscores the importance of nurturing a strong soccer culture to bridge the gap with traditional powerhouses.
5. Roster Management and Player Commitment
A significant portion of the discussion centers on managing the national team roster, particularly in light of star players' commitments and their prioritization of the national team.
Mauricio Pochettino [15:38]:
“Christian is a very nice guy and is very committed to the national team... it was a collective decision to find the best for the team and the player.”
Pochettino elaborates on the difficult decision to exclude Christian Pulisic from the Gold Cup, emphasizing the collective responsibility to prioritize team success over individual preferences. He reiterates the necessity of players committing fully to the national team’s objectives.
6. Balancing Club Play and National Team Duties
The conversation touches on the importance of players getting sufficient game time, whether in Major League Soccer (MLS) or abroad, to maintain peak performance for international competitions.
Mauricio Pochettino [24:35]:
“We cannot give all the tools in a few days preparing them to compete. The competition provides capacity.”
Pochettino stresses that regular competitive play is crucial for players’ development and readiness, advocating for strategic participation in club matches to enhance their performance with the national team.
7. Leadership and Team Dynamics
Pochettino discusses his approach to fostering leadership within the team, moving away from traditional captaincy roles to a more organic emergence of leaders based on current performance and circumstances.
Mauricio Pochettino [28:21]:
“We are giving the opportunity to the group and the players to step up and show the character we need.”
He emphasizes creating an environment where leadership can naturally emerge from players who demonstrate the necessary qualities during high-pressure situations, rather than assigning roles based solely on past standings.
8. Personal Insights: Rivalries and Greatest Players
In a lighter segment, Pochettino shares his personal experiences with some of the most intense rivalries in football, particularly the legendary Boca vs. River rivalry in Argentina.
Mauricio Pochettino [32:26]:
“River, Boca, for me it was an impact... because they are so big, these two.”
He reminisces about growing up in Argentina amidst these fierce rivalries, highlighting how they shaped his passion and understanding of the game.
When asked about the greatest Argentine player of all time, Pochettino passionately refers to Diego Maradona, expressing deep emotional connections to his hero.
Mauricio Pochettino [33:43]:
“Maradona was my hero. It’s difficult for Messi to fight with my hero.”
9. The Greatest Players He’s Coached
Pochettino reflects on the illustrious players he has coached throughout his career, naming luminaries like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé.
Mauricio Pochettino [36:38]:
“If you say Messi, of course him. Then Neymar, Mbappé...”
He pays special mention to players like Musa Dembele and De La Pena, acknowledging their exceptional talent and the joy of working with such gifted individuals.
10. Optimism for the Future
Concluding the interview, both hosts and Pochettino share a sense of optimism for the future of U.S. soccer. Pochettino reiterates his commitment to bringing the team into strong form for the World Cup and building a legacy that honors the fans and the nation.
Mauricio Pochettino [38:05]:
“We are going to arrive in a very good shape to the World Cup ready to compete and to maybe enjoy the fans.”
Donovan and Howard echo this sentiment, expressing confidence in Pochettino’s leadership and the team’s potential to make a significant impact on the global stage.
Key Takeaways
-
Comprehensive Preparation: Pochettino emphasizes the extensive and collaborative efforts in preparing the USMNT for the 2026 World Cup, focusing on both immediate goals and long-term legacy.
-
Balancing Pressure and Performance: Hosting the World Cup brings immense national pride but also escalates the pressure to perform, necessitating a balance between expectation and player freedom.
-
Evolving Global Perception: U.S. soccer is gaining respect on the global stage, fueled by the presence of high-caliber players and improving domestic leagues.
-
Roster Management Challenges: Managing player commitments, especially with star players like Christian Pulisic opting out of certain tournaments, requires difficult but necessary decisions to prioritize team success.
-
Leadership Development: Moving towards a more dynamic leadership model within the team, allowing leaders to emerge organically based on current performance and circumstances.
-
Personal Insights: Pochettino’s personal experiences with intense football rivalries and coaching legendary players add depth to his understanding and passion for the game.
-
Future Optimism: A strong sense of optimism prevails, with a commitment to building a competitive team ready to excel in the World Cup and honor the support of passionate fans.
Notable Quotes
-
On Team Preparation:
Pochettino [02:02]: “We are helping us build something and create a legacy for the future.” -
On Hosting Pressure:
Pochettino [04:43]: “There is massive pressure because the mentality and the culture of this country is about to win.” -
On Player Commitment:
Pochettino [15:38]: “It was a collective decision to find the best for the team and the player.” -
On Leadership:
Pochettino [28:21]: “We are giving the opportunity to the group and the players to step up and show the character we need.” -
On Greatest Argentine Players:
Pochettino [33:43]: “Maradona was my hero. It’s difficult for Messi to fight with my hero.”
Conclusion
This episode of Unfiltered Soccer provides a rare and insightful glimpse into Mauricio Pochettino’s strategies, philosophies, and personal experiences as he leads the USMNT towards the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup. His candid discussions about team dynamics, player management, and the broader vision for U.S. soccer offer fans a deeper understanding of the challenges and aspirations that lie ahead. With Pochettino’s leadership and the unwavering support of fans, the future of U.S. soccer appears both promising and exciting.