Things have gone from bad to worse for the United States national team, and a former Tottenham manager is beginning to feel the pressure of the situation.
Mauricio Pochettino has been in charge of the country for near enough a year now, although has not overseen great progress on the run up to hosting the World Cup next summer.
The latest opportunity to gain some momentum came in the form of a friendly against South Korea, where Pochettino was facing a familiar foe in Heung-Min Son.
The pair enjoyed great success together in North London, peaking by reaching the 2019 Champions League final.
US media losing patience with former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino
The winger, currently playing for LAFC in the MLS, was on hand to pile more misery on the Argentine with a first-half goal in what turned in to a routine 2-0 win.
It appears American media are beginning to lose patience with the former Spurs boss. ESPN have stated that ‘the clock is ticking’ in order to turn around frustrations within the fanbase.
After awarding him a 3/10, they said: “Eight months out from the World Cup, Pochettino brought out his 14th different lineup in 17 games, highlighting that he’s still testing things out. Against South Korea, he also brought out his ninth different center back pairing.
“The clock is ticking and it has clearly become frustrating for USMNT fans to see the coach still tinkering at this point. Granted, the attack did improve in the second half, but there will be few celebrations about the scoreless outcome.”
Son praises Pochettino after international meeting
Despite being opponents on Saturday night, Pochettino and Son are better known for their time together at Spurs, which was highly succesful.
It was clear that this time was still firmly in the mind of the winger, who spoke about his former manager after the 2-0 win.
He said: “From the bottom of my heart, he helped me to get where I am today. We started together when I was 23; he taught me a lot of good things, so I really appreciate it.
“When the game goes on, we’re not friends, but we play for the win, so after the game, I saw him and gave him the biggest hug.
“I just wish him all the best and the US team, he’s an unbelievable coach and for me, he’s more than a coach, so the relationship we built was really, really special.”
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