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The United States will host Panama on Saturday after losing to them in the Copa America. However, this cannot be seen as a revenge game. There is a new coach for the USMNT in Mauricio Pochettino and while the USMNT wants to win the match, the priority is for everyone to understand the tactics and ideals of the new coach. Pochettino said he wants this camp to be used as a time to get to know the players, so while winning is important, the focus for him, along with his staff, will be to find out who in different roles and positions among the players can perform. other things.
Players have already done that talked about the training intensity under Pochettino compared to previous coaches, but that will only help them perform better during a match. The Argentine takes this into account how many minutes players have already logged when they entered camp and that’s where rotation could come into play. With this being Pochettino’s first foray into international management, there are circumstances he now has to take into account that were not the case on the club side. In his first game in charge of the team, let’s take a look at some key words from the game.
Trust in net
A defense is always better when they trust the goalkeeper behind them and if Zack Steffen starts this game, he will become the third goalie to start for the USMNT in just three games. The race to become number one is in full swing due to Matt Turner’s lack of playing time at Crystal Palace and perhaps Steffen has come full circle again. He plays regularly for the Colorado Rapids, but apart from a strong run in the Leagues Cup, where he was named goalkeeper of the tournament, Steffen has struggled.
Any hesitation from whoever is in the net will be exploited by Panama during the match, and that is where the training the team has done under Pochettino is crucial. He is a manger who will do everything he can to instill confidence and discover what his players are best at to put them in the best position to succeed, but it will all come down to the choice of his starting goalkeeper.
Trust Christian Pulisic, but also protect him
When asked about Christian Pulisic’s performances so far, Pochettino couldn’t help but beam in his pre-match press conference, but he also expressed some caution which shows he is already starting to adapt to international management.
“A great player, a player who will now and in the future help put the team in the position we want. I think he is a fantastic player, one of the best attacking players in the world,” said Pochettino. “He plays every game, every minute. That’s also, I think, what we’re a little concerned about, because at some point we have to protect ourselves.” [him]. He arrived a little tired.”
If this were a Concacaf Nations League match things would be a little different, but it seems fair not to expect Pulisic to play 180 minutes during this international window. While the USMNT will go as far as they can, it will also be good for Pochettino to see how they perform without their talisman on the pitch. The demand for footballers worldwide has only increased this season, and that has been no different for Pulisic as Milan played in the Champions League and Serie A. There would be nothing better than him getting a goal early in the game to make it easier for rest later.
Rotation will be crucial during this period as it is a good time to try to get players who have played less for their club minutes, while also looking at who can be sharp without regular minutes versus who needs to play weekly to be good to perform. As Pochettino gets to know the group this will become easier, but it helps to see as many situations as possible early.
Let Josh Sargent cook
Being a starting striker is a game based on confidence, and as the focal point of Norwich City’s attack, Josh Sargent did a good job with four goals and three assists so far this season. He is physical enough to handle Panama’s defense, while also monitoring those around him to set up teammates. Without Folarin Balogun, Sargent could be the next man to start in the back nine if Pochettino takes charge. Brandon Vazquez was also called in, but the two are very different forwards as Sargent became more involved in the build-up play.
Both have their place, but at a time like this it may be good to use the hot hand and trust Sargent to continue to put the ball in the back of the net during this huge opportunity to secure the future of his national team.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Saturday October 13 | Time: 9:00 PM ET
- Location: Q2 Stadium – Austin, Texas
- TV: TNT | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Chances: USMNT-215; Sign +290; Panama +550