Mauricio Pochettino, manager of the United States, said that the 5-0 thrashing of Trinidad and Tobago in their Gold Cup opener would do his team the world of good after they came in for some stinging criticism during a loss of four games.
The US that will organize the World Cup of next year with Canada and Mexico had come under pressure after a humiliating 4-0 defeat by Switzerland in a friendly last week, but found the form in California for the top of group D.
The US was without their top players, including Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah, who have decided to skip the tournament, with the controversial absences that cause criticism of former American Stalwarts Landon and Alexi Lalas.
Pochettino said it was important to start the Gold Cup with a “good feeling”.
“Today's game was also difficult, especially because of the negative things that took place in recent weeks,” he said by ESPN.
“Some results that did not go well always generate a little noise. It is important that the players have that confidence.”
With the World Cup on the Horizon, former Tottenham Hotspur -boss Pochettino said that the Gold Cup would be a chance for players to set up their claim for a place in the team next year.
“We want to win, but at the same time it is to help players to act and to knock the door and say and say, we can perform for the national team and we can be involved in the next world cup,” he added.
“That's what I expect. Win, and the player really believes that they get the chance … (to fight for a place in the World Cup.”
The American top group D for Saudi Arabia, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago. They are then confronted with the Saudis, who defeated Haiti 1-0 in their opener, in Texas on Thursday.
The Gold Cup runs until July 6.