Pochettino apologizes: 'It was my problem' for duel with
Pochettino restores tone after frustrations about questions surrounding the loss to Turkey and emphasizes focus on the knockout match with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Pochettino apologizes: 'It was my problem' for duel with
Mauricio Pochettino has publicly apologized for his actions after the defeat against Turkey ahead of the United States' knockout match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Argentinian started his press moment with a clear message to the media present. "I would like to apologize for the last press conference. I was so frustrated and disappointed after the defeat against Turkey and I took it out on you. I am sorry. It was my problem, not yours."The defeat against Turkey came at a time when the United States was already assured of first place in the group. Pochettino consciously opted for a changed line-up in the last group match to limit risks towards the knockout phase. When he was asked afterwards what the tap did to the 'momentum' of his team, he responded irritated: "I don't understand this question. We played with another team to avoid yellow cards and injuries."
The national coach then went even further by emphasizing that the group win remained underexposed. "No one has congratulated us yet on first place in the group. It feels like we are going home and Turkey is staying in it. It seems like a sad situation here, but we finished at the top." Those words illustrated the frustration after a match that had little value for the final score from a sporting point of view, but did encourage the public and press to discuss form and confidence towards the knockout phase.
In the run-up to the last 32 meeting against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Pochettino has regained his composure. The apologies were accepted by the press and there was laughter again during the press moment. The focus is now entirely on the remainder of the tournament, where every match is immediately decisive. For the United States, the group win means a place in a more favorable part of the schedule, although underestimation at this stage is fatal.
The introduction of a round of 32 in the expanded 2026 World Cup ensures extra sharpening of the staff: recovery, freshness and card management are decisive. Pochettino's rotation against Turkey fits in with that plan, although the loss briefly caused outside unrest. Internally, however, the message remains clear: the team has shown that it can win a group and has sufficient selection depth to manage on two fronts - results and resilience.
Bosnia-Herzegovina is considered a tough opponent in knockout football and will force the United States to concentrate from minute one. For Pochettino and his selection, it is important to approach the match with the intensity of a final, and thus turn the story after Turkey into a convincing start to the knockout phase.
Related Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pochettino apologise?
Pochettino has apologized for his actions after the defeat against Turkey, because he was frustrated andwas disappointed.
What was the situation of the United States before the match against Bosnia-Herzegovina?
The United States was already assured of first place in the group before playing against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
What was the reason for Pochettino's change of line-up against Turkey?
Pochettino opted for a changed line-up to limit risks towards the knockout phase.
How did Pochettino respond to questions about his team's momentum?
Pochettino responded testily to questions about momentum, saying he did not understand the question.
How was the press reaction to Pochettino's apology received?
Pochettino's apology was accepted by the press and people could laugh again.
Read more on our latest coverage and stay tuned for updates on what happens next.
Related articles
Teams
Álvaro Núñez na nederlaag van Celta bij Omonia
Álvaro Núñez reageert na Celta’s nederlaag bij Omonia Nicosia: te weinig kansen, grote efficiëntieproblemen en de noodzaak om zaterdag tegen Racing de Santander de ban te breken. Sergio Carreira roept het team op een stap naar voren te zetten.
Teams
Deze amateurclubs zijn van de partij in de eerste ronde van
Met vier direct geplaatste teams en veertien kwalificanten is het deelnemersveld voor de KNVB Beker grotendeels bekend. De loting voor de eerste ronde volgt vrijdag, waarbij ook clubs uit de Keuken Kampioen Divisie en Eredivisie instromen.
Teams
Laatste getuige in Maradona-proces: dood door covid-19 valt
Forensisch expert Pablo Ferrari, als laatste getuige gehoord in het proces rond de dood van Diego Maradona, stelt dat covid-19 als doodsoorzaak niet kan worden uitgesloten omdat bij de autopsie geen test is gedaan. Zijn visie wijkt af van eerdere experts en kan belangrijk zijn voor de verdediging van arts Leopoldo Luque.
Teams
Cristiano Ronaldo opent zich over kritiek tijdens Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo reageerde tijdens het Portugal Football Summit op de aanhoudende kritiek die hij als topspeler ervaart. Ondanks de meningen van critici blijft hij zich gesteund voelen door zijn fans en blijft hij gefocust op zijn prestaties op het veld.