ATLANTA — City Champs Media attended its first press conference as credentialed media, covering the United States men’s national soccer team as head coach Mauricio Pochettino addressed key questions surrounding leadership and player availability ahead of upcoming matches in Atlanta.
When asked about leadership within the squad, including whether veteran defender Tim Ream remains the first-choice captain and starter, Pochettino emphasized competition across the roster.
“To be honest, we build a roster with 27 players and my 27 players will all have the possibility to be in the starting 11,” Pochettino said. “It’s always about performance, feelings and how we use our eyes to see how everyone is doing. Futbol is very dynamic and can change every single moment.”
On the subject of balancing national team performances with current club form, Mauricio Pochettino described the selection process as fluid and individualized.
“It’s an art because every single player is different and can add different things to the team,” Pochettino said. “The most important is what the player can add to the team and if they can be the right player to help the team perform.”
Pochettino emphasized that there is no fixed formula when evaluating players, noting that differences in character, profile and skillset all factor into final decisions.
He also stressed the importance of consistent effort at the club level, making it clear that national team opportunities are tied directly to performance.
“It’s not to say, ‘I am in my club 50 percent because in the national team I’m going to play 100 percent,’” Pochettino said. “No, I want the player to play his best in the team.”
He added that players cannot assume a place in the squad without fully committing at the club level, emphasizing that effort and professionalism remain key factors in selection.
Pochettino also provided an update on Tyler Adams, noting that the midfielder is expected to be sidelined for another two to three weeks based on information provided by his club. Despite the timeline, the USMNT staff remains hopeful Adams will return to availability soon.
The updates highlight Pochettino’s approach as he continues shaping the squad, emphasizing flexibility, competition and adaptability as the team prepares for upcoming fixtures.
He later reiterated that roster spots remain open as the team continues to evaluate players ahead of major competitions.
“The player that today didn’t reach the roster is not that they are not going to have the possibility to be in the final roster,” Pochettino said. “And the players that are in the roster cannot think they are going to be in the final roster.”
City Champs Media was in attendance as Pochettino addressed the media, offering insight into the team’s ongoing evaluation process.
As Mauricio Pochettino and his coaching staff continue to evaluate their roster, competition within the squad remains open, with player performance expected to play a key role in determining future lineups for the World Cup.