Mauricio Pochettino Under Fire After Harsh Words Spark Fiery Backlash
In the wake of the United States Men's National Team's 2-1 victory over Guatemala on Wednesday, a firestorm has erupted, not over tactics or goals, but over words.
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Mauricio Pochettino, currently serving as head coach of the USMNT, is under heavy criticism for his post-match comments regarding the lack of crowd support in what was ostensibly a home game.
'That is football. That connection (between fans and team) is what we will like at the World Cup,' Pochettino said. 'That is culture. What we need to learn in this country.'
The comment, seemingly aimed at the U.S. fanbase after a soccer game that featured a large contingent of Guatemalan supporters, triggered an explosive response from former U.S. international and CBS Sports Golazo analyst Charlie Davies.
Appearing on the podcast Call It What You Want, Davies unloaded on the Argentine manager.
'The thoughts of a foreign coach coming to this country in 2025 and blaming the spectators or audience for giving the other team motivation is mind-blowing,' Davies said.
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His frustration only escalated from there.
'It's so disrespectful to players like Tony Meola—no one in the country watched the game, it wasn't on TV... the blood, sweat, and tears this guy had to put in to establish the game in this country,' Davies continued. 'For [Pochettino] to talk about the stands, that pisses me off.'
Davies, who earned 17 caps for the U.S. national team and played in both MLS and Europe, spoke from the perspective of someone who helped grow the game during less glamorous years. His point was clear: American players have fought too hard for the sport's growth in the U.S. to now be lectured by someone who just arrived.
'All American players who have represented our country... what do you think we fought for?' he asked. 'To play the game, to get coverage... you think we want to play in stadiums in our home cities that are predominantly favoring the other team? Hell no!'
But beyond the cultural critique, Davies argued that Pochettino's comments were a deflection from the team's own performance.
'I don't want to hear that BS,' he said. 'I want to hear 'You know what guys? Guatemala, we should have taken care of business, we're up 2-nil. We took our foot off the pedal... I got the subs wrong.''
The remarks have sparked a growing controversy online, with fans and pundits divided over whether Pochettino was out of line or simply pointing out a reality of international soccer in the U.S., where immigrant communities often outnumber U.S. supporters in the stands.
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Regardless of intent, the damage is done. What should have been a quiet victory heading into the next round has become a flashpoint in the ongoing conversation about American soccer identity, fan culture, and who gets to define it.
As the USMNT prepares for its next match, the Concacaf Gold Cup against Mexico on Sunday, Pochettino may find himself needing to smooth things over. Not just with his players, but with an entire soccer community still fighting for recognition on its own soil.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
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