Lalas criticizes Pochettino for describing friendlies as training sessions

Alexi Lalas, former U.S. men’s national team defender and outspoken soccer analyst, has publicly criticized USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino for downplaying recent friendly match results by describing them as mere “training sessions.” Lalas’s criticism comes amid growing frustration over the USMNT’s underwhelming performances in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, including a 2-0 loss to South Korea in a recent friendly.

Lalas, who has been vocal about the team’s struggles, took issue with Pochettino’s remarks that seemed to minimize the competitive value of these matches. Pochettino suggested that the results in friendlies were less important than preparing the team for the World Cup itself, stating that the team is focused on being in optimal condition by the tournament’s start. However, Lalas argued that dismissing fan concerns and framing the games merely as training damaged the perception of the team and questioned the effectiveness of Pochettino’s approach.

“This performance is inadequate,” Lalas said during his State of the Union broadcast. He questioned the rationale behind paying Pochettino an annual salary of $6 million if results do not improve, emphasizing the expectation that the coach should maximize the players’ potential. Lalas believes this lack of progress is particularly alarming given the USMNT’s failure to win against teams ranked in the top tiers recently, including a series of losses in games against highly ranked opponents.

Pochettino, meanwhile, has defended his strategy, urging patience and emphasizing that the ultimate measure of success will be at the World Cup. He has acknowledged the criticism but insists on maintaining a positive environment, stating that critics should focus on constructive feedback rather than negativity that could harm the players. Despite some recent improvements, including a 2-0 victory over Japan, the USMNT under Pochettino has struggled for consistency.

This public exchange highlights the mounting pressure on Pochettino as the USMNT prepares to host the 2026 World Cup. Lalas’s comments underscore a broader debate about the team’s readiness and the coaching strategy’s effectiveness. The stakes remain high, with the U.S. Soccer Federation and fans alike keenly watching to see whether Pochettino’s approach will translate into success on home soil or necessitate further changes in leadership.

For Pochettino, the challenge is balancing long-term preparation with immediate results, a task complicated by vocal critics like Lalas demanding urgent improvements. For the USMNT, these friendlies serve not only as a testing ground for players but also as a barometer of the team’s prospects for the World Cup, where expectations are elevated given the tournament’s significance on American soil. The coming months will be pivotal for Pochettino’s tenure and the USMNT’s quest for World Cup success.

This episode reflects the growing scrutiny around a coach paid a premium to lead the team to new heights at a time when patience is running thin among the soccer community in the United States. The forthcoming matches and final roster decisions will be closely analyzed as Pochettino seeks to justify his vision for the USMNT’s future.