The question arose 20 minutes into Mauricio Pochettino’s introductory press conference as head coach of the U.S. men’s national team; the first question asked in his native Spanish.
“It’s a nice break,” Pochettino joked at the opportunity to switch back to Spanish.
“What motivated you to take on the U.S. job?” the reporter inquired.
This question delved into the underlying theme of the entire event at a glamorous high-rise in New York City’s Hudson Yards development. Why would a manager with such a prominent reputation consider this his next move?
The 52-year-old former Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea manager initially spoke about his interactions with U.S. Soccer executives and the vast potential of soccer in the U.S. He then addressed the primary task at hand: elevating the USMNT to a higher level.
“It’s a challenge that pushes us out of our comfort zones,” remarked Pochettino in Spanish with a smile. “Typically, we tend to tackle things we are familiar with and have a clear vision and plan. However, here, it’s about embracing the unfamiliar, stepping out of comfort zones to engage in a challenge.
“It’s not just about achieving goals together but also about challenging oneself.”
CEO of U.S. Soccer JT Batson, technical director Matt Crocker, Pochettino and president Cindy Parlow (Luke Hales/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Whether intentional or not, Pochettino aligned his path with that of his new team. For several cycles, the concept of “stepping out of comfort zones to grow” has been an integral part of the USMNT’s progress. This idea traces back to Jurgen Klinsmann’s tenure but was also frequently discussed by former coach Gregg Berhalter.
The emphasis is not solely on playing for major European clubs. It’s about identifying challenges that facilitate growth and improvement.
Pochettino viewing this role as a personal growth challenge was a significant highlight from Friday’s press conference. The U.S. required a fresh perspective to propel them beyond potential and towards tangible outcomes. They now embark on this journey with a coach of unparalleled reputation, seeking the same type of growth.