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AUSTIN, Texas — Mauricio Pochettino said he was happy, though at times it was hard to tell. Yes, the United States men’s national team had prevailed 2-0 over Panama in his first match in charge. But what had transpired was definitely a mixed bag.
Even as Pochettino stated at his postmatch news conference how the game was “amazing,” he kept up his stoic visage. It wasn’t until he was reminded of the banner with his face on it behind one of the goals that he broke into a full grin.
“It was a massive shock for me to see my face behind the goal, a different picture,” he said. “I think I am so happy; very good connection with the fans.”
Pochettino’s emotions, both the obvious and the more subtle, were understandable. There were reasons to be pleased with the performance, and reasons not to be. The joy on Yunus Musah’s face as he scored the USMNT’s opener in the 49th minute — the first goal of his international career — would have brightened anyone’s mood. The same was true of goalkeeper Matt Turner’s epic double-save three minutes later.
There were concerns too. There were some sloppy passages of play with the ball — especially in the game’s latter stages — and the U.S. looked vulnerable in transition at times without it. In addition to Turner’s save, it took a blown chance in the 87th minute by Copa América nemesis José Fajardo to keep the U.S. in front. Pochettino couldn’t completely relax until substitute Ricardo Pepi made the game safe in the fourth minute of stoppage time. The players are certainly aware of the ups and downs.
“I don’t want to get way too ahead of ourselves,” Turner said. “It’s a building block for the future because by no means was it perfect.”
But ultimately, everything that transpired made a prophet of Pochettino. In the run-up to Saturday’s match at Q2 Stadium, some words were repeated…
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