Christian Pulisic. Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Christian Pulisic has stern request for USMNT’s new head coach

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Sep 11, 2024 2:58 AM ET

Both Christian Pulisic and U.S. men’s soccer team fans alike are expecting big changes with the arrival of new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

On Tuesday, the USMNT officially announced that it was hiring Pochettino after several reports linking the renowned gaffer to the squad over the past month. Based on what the USMNT showed hours after the news broke, Pochettino has his work cut out for him.

The U.S. drew with World No. 94 New Zealand on Tuesday in a friendly held at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

After the game, Pulisic was asked about what he was looking forward to with the news that Pochettino was coming aboard. Instead of the usual fluff answer, an exasperated Pulisic called for an entire culture shift from the team — one he hopes Pochettino can spearhead.

“Hopefully a culture that is willing to fight, that is willing to take risks,” said Pulisic. “There’s a lot of things that need to change. Just the mentality & the culture of the group. I think we have the quality. I know hopefully that’s the first thing he wants to change.”

CP10 on new #USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino pic.twitter.com/Roj9VQD5vs

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) September 11, 2024

The Americans held on to a 1-0 lead against New Zealand up until the late stages of the game. But the USMNT conceded an 89th-minute equalizer in terribly careless fashion.

USMNT concede an unfortunate late equalizer to New Zealand pic.twitter.com/SwOlkFrESK

— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 11, 2024

Pulisic was the U.S.’s lone goalscorer with his precise strike in the 69th minute.

Pochettino has served as a manager for several top-flight European clubs over the past decade. His list of stops includes Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

In 2019, Pochettino led Tottenham to its first UEFA Champions League Final. A few years later, the Argentinian was coaching the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in Paris.

With the USMNT bringing in a high-caliber coach, the expectations surrounding the team are also sure to rise.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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