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Nov 12, 2024 | 6:08 AM MST
Debate
Should MLS clubs prioritize national pride over pre-season prep for the USMNT's World Cup journey?
The USMNT is back together for the November window. While this time they’re focused on the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League two-legged quarterfinals against Jamaica, it’s also part of their broader preparations for the ultimate goal: the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In fact, before the beginning of the new year, Mauricio Pochettino issued a warning to MLS teams, urging them to demonstrate their ‘commitment‘ ahead of January.
Even though there is still time for the American boys to reassemble for the 2025’s first camp, the Argentinian tactician ain’t taking any chances and has been rather busy drawing up plans for the same. Speaking ahead of the first leg clash against Jamaica that will be held in Independence Park, Kingston, Pochettino exclusively revealed that the January camp will be held in Miami, Florida.
While the 52-year-old would want to have the best roster to prepare for the friendlies, he has a specific demand for MLS talents. As a result, Pochettino has urged MLS teams to voluntarily release players, even though they are not obligated to do so. “In January, we want the commitment of all the MLS clubs,” he said, as compiled by Doug McIntyre on X.
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via Reuters
Soccer Football – FA Cup – Fifth Round – Chelsea v Leeds United – Stamford Bridge, London, Britain – February 28, 2024 Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino and assistant head coach Jesus Perez Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
From commitment, the former Chelsea boss is trying to implement that he would want all the MLS-based youngsters and players to be made available by their respective clubs. That’s because typically, many teams often refuse or don’t allow their certain players to attend international camps due to the risk of potential fatigue or injury.
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Not to mention that just after the month of January, the new season of the MLS will be kicking off, around late February. That’s one of the most crucial periods for all the American clubs to make the best of pre-season. However, Pochettino hopes that all the respective sides from whom he hopes to take players shouldn’t object for the same.
After all, it’s a matter of national importance. As a host nation, the US Men’s National Team would be looking to make a great impression in front of the whole world. That surely requires a good roster, and what better way there is to show that than by selecting from the very roots of America? Of course, there is also another reason behind Poch’s choice of giving more importance to the MLS.
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Should MLS clubs prioritize national pride over pre-season prep for the USMNT's World Cup journey?
Debate
To recall, when Mauricio Pochettino announced his first-ever USMNT roster for last month’s friendlies, only four players in the MLS made the squad. Though it might suggest that the former Southampton coach wants more European experience in his squad, that isn’t the case. In an interview, he cleared this intention stating, “I don’t think that to be an elite player you have to be in Europe,” and acknowledging the fans’ judgment over his decisions.
Hence, that explains why he wants special support from all the MLS teams ahead of the January window. Then again, if either of the teams doesn’t accept to help out Pochettino, he will be forced to focus more on the American-based European pedigree. Regardless, it remains to be seen how it goes through.
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