Jeff Carlisal
Angle, California. – After facing two defeats in the Konkak Nation League, United States manager Mauritueo Pokteno insisted that his party had enough time to turn things before the 2026 World Cup.
The United States came in the final stages of the tournament, which won the first three Concourse Nations League. But his quest for the fourth straight championship ended with a 1-0 defeat to Panama on Thursday. Canada suffered a 2-1 defeat in the third match on Sunday.
Both losses occurred at the Sophie Stadium, where the United States plays the role of its World Cup opener on June 12, 2026.
Now the United States will have four international windows in addition to the Konkak Gold Cup this summer before the World Cup. This is not much time for a manager who took over USMNT last September to turn things away.
But Pocitino, who said “we are all responsible for the two consequences” in the Nations League, otherwise think.
“It’s better (losing), because I think we have time,” Pocitino said after Sunday’s match. “Because if we were in this situation in a year of time, definitely. I will tell you, ‘Houston, we have a problem.
The results were still the body’s blow to the USMNT’s desire to create a speeding speed in the World Cup. The Gold Cup is of great importance, because of which it will imitate the World Cup cadres with a stage, after which the knockout round will be.
Pocitino said he understands the frustration of the fans about the exhibition in the last two matches, but sent a message to the fans: “Don’t be disappointed, and don’t feel bad.”
“We are all (frustrated) and the fans need to feel frustrated that we do not win. But I will not allow (we) to feel frustrated because I think we have good players. We are going to find a way to perform and certainly we are going to compete in different ways.”
One of the problems facing the US manager is to find a way to restore the US attack. Former Tottenham coach praised Diego Luna when the Real Salt Lake Midfielder helped Patrick Aigaming’s equality on Sunday and brought skills and energy.
However, the US Captain Christian Plus struggled to make an impact, touched the ball only 20 times in 69 minutes, and completed only seven of its 12 passing efforts.
“I am not happy with my output, but yes, it is partially in and partially looking for different ways to get the ball into this position,” said Plisk. “It was difficult for any reason in the last two games.
“We really never got a rhythm and Enough was aggressive to create a lot of possibilities in the attack, so I see as an invading player.”
US defnder Tyler Adams was angry when he was asked to compare his team’s mentality in the Panama game with a Sunday match against Canada, but pointed out that the team could improve.
Adams said, “I mean, listen, it’s difficult for me to decide. I think my mindset is a bit different.” “I think we need to buy every person exactly what we are doing and what we are trying to do. But these are just the little things for me. Does, leaving your mark in the field, not speaking in a few moments, being a little more smart.
“All the details of sports that I feel when I see people playing with my clubs, we do. And then when we come here, sometimes I think we forget about what the game is going to give us.”
The United States will play next June, when it faces Turkey and Switzerland in a friendship couple before the start of the Gold Cup.
