Poch Readies U.S. Team to Challenge ‘Hero’ Bielsa

United States men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino is preparing his squad for a challenging encounter against Uruguay on Tuesday. This match will take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Pochettino expressed immense respect for Uruguay’s coach, Marcelo Bielsa, referring to him as a mentor and hero.

Pochettino and Bielsa: A Great Respect

The professional relationship between Pochettino and Bielsa dates back to when Pochettino was just 13 years old. Bielsa, then a coach at Newell’s Old Boys, played a pivotal role in recruiting him. Their connection has strengthened over the years as Bielsa managed Pochettino at various clubs, including Newell’s, Espanyol, and the Argentine national team.

During a press conference, Pochettino stated, “Always, my admiration and my respect is massive.” He emphasized that Bielsa is not just a standard peer but someone he looks up to immensely.

Previous Encounters: U.S. vs. Uruguay

This match is particularly poignant as it marks the first encounter since Uruguay’s narrow 1-0 victory over the U.S. in the group stage of the 2024 Copa América. In that match, Uruguay’s aggressive style significantly impacted the U.S. team, forcing them out of the tournament.

Pochettino anticipates a similarly tough match, noting that Bielsa’s teams are known for their resilience and physicality. He commented, “We are going to suffer because all the team under Marcelo’s management is tough to play against.”

Recent U.S. Developments

Recently, the U.S. team has exhibited a greater physical presence on the field. This was evident in their last match, where they secured a 2-1 victory against Paraguay. A late-game altercation highlighted the team’s determination to stand united.

• U.S. defender Alex Freeman defended a throw-in against Gustavo Gómez of Paraguay.
• A significant melee broke out following the incident, showcasing team solidarity.

Pochettino appreciated the players’ response, stating, “It shows character and that we care. When aggression comes from the other side, we need to defend ourselves.”

Building Identity and Future Matches

Pochettino has also acknowledged the evolving identity of the U.S. national team. He pointed out their ability to manage transitions, maintain tactical discipline, and control the game. “We build from the back and respect the principles of the game,” he noted.

This friendly against Uruguay will be the U.S. team’s final match of 2025. Following this game, Pochettino’s squad is scheduled to play friendlies in March, possibly against Portugal and Belgium, in preparation for hosting the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico next summer.