01.07.2026 16:50
US National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino, speaking about their 3-2 loss to Turkey, said, "If we hadn't fielded a reserve squad, we would have beaten Turkey, and I wouldn't have faced criticism. Turkey won because I used a reserve squad." The Argentine coach stated that they consider the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina as a "final."
Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the US National Team, made statements to a local television channel before the US match in the round of 32.
''IF WE HADN'T FIELDED A RESERVE SQUAD, WE WOULD HAVE BEATEN TURKEY''
The Argentine coach, criticized for his squad choice after the 3-2 loss to Turkey, said, "If we hadn't fielded a reserve squad, we would have beaten Turkey, and I wouldn't have received criticism. Turkey beat me because I fielded a reserve squad."
''I WAS UPSET AND I APOLOGIZE''
Acknowledging that he unnecessarily raised his voice in response to a journalist's question after the Turkey match, Pochettino said, "I was disappointed and upset. That was my problem, not yours. I was upset after the defeat and I apologize for my rude behavior."
''BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA MATCH IS A FINAL''
Commenting on the Bosnia and Herzegovina match, the experienced coach stated, "I never believe we are favorites against Bosnia and Herzegovina. They have very quality players; otherwise, they wouldn't have advanced from the group. We have all seen how much harder things have become for all teams. There have been big surprises. Everyone said Germany was the clear favorite against Paraguay, and what happened? Or we all watched how tough the match between Brazil and Japan was. That's why we can't underestimate any opponent. The Bosnia and Herzegovina match will be a huge final for us."