Pochettino: “Winning Is Part of the Culture We’re Building”

Speaking after the United States secured a place in the Gold Cup final, Mauricio Pochettino emphasized the deeper meaning behind the team’s victory over Guatemala. The Argentine coach highlighted that beyond reaching the final, developing a winning mentality is crucial for his young squad.

“It’s good for our players to win. It’s good for the culture. I come from Argentina, and there, losing and winning are not the same — the consequences are massive,” he noted. Pochettino praised his players' determination and singled out Diego Luna, who scored both goals, as a symbol of the hunger and talent he expects from high-performance athletes.

The coach also pointed to the match’s atmosphere as a valuable learning moment. Though played in St. Louis, the crowd was largely Guatemalan. “That kind of hostile environment helps us learn how to compete and behave differently on the pitch. It’s important for the future.”

Pochettino also acknowledged the work of Luis Fernando Tena, congratulating Guatemala for a “remarkable” tournament. While the U.S. lost momentum after going 2-0 up, the coach praised his team’s defensive focus and tactical adjustments. He stressed that they’ll be ready for the final, whether the opponent is Mexico or Honduras.