'We can see the pressure getting to him' – Herculez Gomez says Mauricio Pochettino under strain despite USMNT win over Japan

The former USMNT striker highlighted the significance of the national team's victory over Japan, noting signs of pressure on the coach

Victory could be turning point in Pochettino's USMNT tenureGomez says there were signs of pressure affecting the manager Tactical approach finally maximized player strengthsGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

Former USMNT and MLS striker Herculez Gomez said U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino is already showing signs of strain despite the United States’ 2-0 win over Japan. Gomez argued that while the coach is known for his calm, collected demeanor, he showed he was under pressure based on his actions and comments to the media.

“Massive,” Gomez said on the when asked how big this win was for Pochettino. “First time in Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure we can see the pressure getting to him. He could say, ‘It's not getting to me’, he can say ‘It doesn't bother me,' but he was taking – I would say not shots – but he felt defensive. And he's doing his front of the U.S press. I could only imagine what he's faced in Paris, what he's faced in England, what he has faced in other places he's been in, like La Liga – this should be nothing.

"But he felt slightly, he felt like he had to be a little bit more defensive. And the only thing that can cure the ails of the fan base, the only way to ensure the worries of certain pundits is winning."

Despite Pochettino's attempts to downplay the significance of criticism, Gomez said that the manager's tactical change showed his awareness of the criticism and need for improved results.

“So he did what he needed to do," he said. "I thought it was very intelligent of the coaching staff to see the players they had at their disposal and say, 'You know what, we've got to do what we can with what we have. ’ They changed the formation, 3-4-2-1, more catered to the players and how they play at their club teams… He played to the player's strengths."

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The ESPN FC broadcaster pointed out that the doubts surrounding Pochettino's leadership were well-founded, highlighting the manager's decision to field 15 different starting lineups within a single year. 

“This [win] was very much needed for the coaching staff,” Gomez added. “This was fresh air. They were being doubted, and I think for good reason… In October, it’ll be one full year [under Pochettino's leadership]. So there were these doubts, there were these cracks that people were starting to see. It gives a relief to the coaching staff.”

Despite acknowledging the importance of the result, Gomez made it clear that his fundamental concerns about Pochettino's suitability for the position remained unresolved. Gomez stressed that the coach has yet to field what he considers an optimal squad, often missing key pieces even when the decisions were his own.

“Because you don’t have a Messi, you have to be the equal to the sum of the parts," he said. "And he didn’t have those parts, so I wanna give him the benefit of the doubt, but he’s not helped his cause. Now this [win] is going to help.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The USMNT beat Japan 2-0 with goals from Alejandro Zendejas and Folarin Balogun to win their first game in seven tries against a team inside the FIFA top 30 rankings during Pochettino's tenure.

Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

Following their win over Japan, Pochettino and the USMNT will regroup in October against Ecuador and Australia.