Mauricio Pochettino had a clear message for players signing up for his USMNT squad camp this month.
The former Tottenham head coach hopes to use the meeting to assess the level of American stars ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League final in March.
The demands of the European club calendar mean Pochettino will start experimenting in early 2025, with the majority of his current panel lacking international experience.
The upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica will offer players the chance to present their case to Pochettino and the Argentine coach has called on his charges to take their chance.
Focus and intensity. It's game week in Miami. pic.twitter.com/i6CHsiCA90
– USA National Soccer Team (@USMNT) January 13, 2025
“We want to add players who can compete for positions in the national team and who can confidently show their real quality,” he said in an interview with MLS Soccer.
“It's a fantastic opportunity. It's not important where they come from. It is important how they perform here, with us.
“The message is clear: show me that we can go with you, and that you, playing here in the MLS, can compete with players from Europe.”
Pochettino's words will be a boost to those who get the chance to impress him during the friendlies in Florida in recognition of strong domestic MLS campaigns in 2024.
Inter Miami's Benjamin Cremaschi and Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna are two of the names expected to feature prominently alongside more established figures such as Walter Zimmerman and veteran captain Tim Ream.
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