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Alexi Lalas Shares Harsh Reality About USMNT Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Nov 14, 2024 11:17 AM ET

Following a humiliating 2-0 defeat to Mexico in a friendly last month, American soccer fans are desperate to see a positive response from the United States Men's National Team and head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

November's international break features Pochettino's first competitive fixtures in a two-leg Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal tie against Jamaica.

The United States is set to have something much closer to its best roster available against the Reggae Boyz. There are still some missing pieces, but unlike the Mexico game, star players Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie are available.

With expectations set high for Pochettino's competitive debut, Fox Soccer analyst Alexi Lalas offered a reality check about the USMNT coach.

The former USMNT defender was not shy about calling out Pochettino in October for his decision to let Pulisic return to AC Milan before the loss to Mexico.

Ouch...manage that load. #MEXvUSA 2-0
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) October 16, 2024

Lalas took the temperature of USMNT fans on social media before the first match against Jamaica on Thursday. When asked if the Nations League quarterfinal was a "must win" for Pochettino, he felt the need to straighten out the narrative and place the focus on the 2026 World Cup.

"Pochettino can do whatever he wants," Lalas asserted on X.

"While we will certainly critique him and the team’s performances over the next 18 months, fact is, he won’t really be judged or face any consequences until the 2026 World Cup," Lalas continued. "He was hired to produce a successful 2026 World Cup."

Pochettino can do whatever he wants. While we will certainly critique him and the team’s performances over the next 18 months, fact is, he won’t really be judged or face any consequences until the 2026 World Cup. He was hired to produce a successful 2026 World Cup. https://t.co/WNU2Acylwu
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) November 14, 2024

Lalas' assessment aligns with what U.S. Soccer said when it hired Pochettino in September, but depending how the the new coach's first competitive game goes, that long-term vision may not hold a lot of weight with impatient fans.

The sting of USMNT's last high-stakes competition, which resulted in a group stage exit at Copa America, is still fresh. A convincing performance against Jamaica could certainly change the tone of the USMNT faithful, no matter how much Lalas tries to keep things in perspective.

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

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