As it prepares for its upcoming friendlies against Canada and New Zealand, it feels like the United States men’s national team is in limbo. After a disappointing performance at the Copa America that saw him bow out in the group stages, Gregg Berhalter is no longer the manager. But for these friendlies, Micky Varas — who is expected to become the first manager of San Diego FC in Major League Soccer — will lead the USMNT instead of Mauricio Pochettinowho is expected to be the next head coach. Players, fans and more patiently await the arrival of the next face of the program.
Speaking to the media on Monday, USMNT defenseman Tim Ream said they are waiting for an announcement like everyone else. Although there will be changes at these matches once the coach arrives, it is still an opportunity to create a positive atmosphere. The lack of a permanent manager is something that could bring uncertainty to what is a young USMNT side, but that’s where the growing experience and chemistry of these players shows. They know that the performance at the Copa America was disappointing and the goal of this camp is to take the bad taste of that tournament out of their mouths and start the process of moving forward.
“I think after the end of the Copa there was a mutual feeling of disappointment in the dressing room and we knew we had to leave it alone, we had to start thinking,” said striker Folarin Balogun. “We have come back for this camp and have had time to think and talk together and there are two friendly matches planned. As always, when we get the chance to wear this shirt, it’s about putting on a show. We don’t treat it as friendlies and we want to make a statement and remind people what we stand for.”
The wait from exiting the Copa America in July to now in September has been a long one, but the quickest way to put the team behind them is to score as many goals as possible and start winning. There are notable absentees, such as Weston McKennie, who had to reintegrate with Juventus, and Tyler Adams, who is injured. But a known core was enabled by Varas. Even for Balogun specifically, while the coach may be different, it doesn’t change much in his role.
“Any coach will tell you from a striker that he wants goals, so that’s something I’m still focused on and I’m focused on finding ways to help the team create chances,” Balogun said.
Some things don’t change no matter who is in charge. Given Varas’ experience in the system as a former U-20 manager and assistant coach under Berhalter, he will not spend this period implementing new systems. Pochettino will have his own ideas about what needs to be done, but as Balogun said, he needs to score more goals in each system to reach his maximum potential. This team is made up of professionals and this isn’t the first time they’ve had coaching changes, nor will it be the last.
“I’ve had a few coaching changes in my career. I think I’ve had 10 or 11 different managers over the course of my club career,” said Ream. “I think it’s one of those things where we all naturally increase the intensity and the focus and you put a little more into it, but at the same time you have to play your own game and do what got you to that point, while you also adapts and adapts to a new voice. That’s no different at any level you play at, so there’s a fine line and a balance between pushing and being more focused and more intense, but also playing your game and the style The way you play got you to that point. You just understand how far you have to go and where that fine line and balance is.”
The players will know they have to impress Pochettino in this window, but the best way to do that is to win and play a composed game. Canada will be a tough test for the USMNT on September 7. Under American manager Jesse Marsch, the Canucks finished fourth in the Copa America and will look to maintain that momentum when they face the USMNT. If the United States wants to remain the best team in Concacaf, facing the Canucks will be crucial.