JAKARTA - The United States (US) coach, Mauricio Pochettino, said his team was better than South Korea and showed a significant improvement despite losing 0-2 at home on Saturday, September 6, 2025, local time, in Harrison, New Jersey.
Pochettino's side trailed 0-2 in the first half of the friendly after goals from LAFC stars Son Heung-Min, and Lee Dong-gyeong.
Although Pochettino made many substitutions in the second half, which stepped up the pressure of his team's attack, the US remained goalless in the defeat. It was their fourth crushing defeat in 17 matches under Pochettino.
"Overall, I think we are better than South Korea. If you're not clinical in your own defense area and in the opponent's penalty box, it's difficult."
"Because we created more chances, we felt that we were in control of the game. I think we played better. Disappointed, of course, because I was very disappointed with the result, but overall our performance is a huge improvement."
"I told the players, I think the results will definitely come soon," said Pochettino as quoted by ESPN.
This defeat is the sixth under Pochettino this year. The team is now in two consecutive defeats after losing in the 2025 Gold Cup final to Mexico. Nevertheless, Pochettino still gave a positive tone.
"I am very happy, despite the results, I am very happy with our development after the Golden Cup."
"Today with different players, a different list of players from the Gold Cup," said Pochettino, who welcomed players such as Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah, and Sergino Dest after being absent in the summer.
Pochettino, who used a different 14th line-up in the 17th match, had only seven friendlies left before the players were selected for the 2026 World Cup training camp.
However, when asked when he should start getting more results in his favor, the Argentine coach dismissed the notion that he needed a win on his way to next year.
"We have to start winning when the 2026 World Cup starts," said Pochettino.
The US is again facing a crowd of spectators who make it look like an away game, with most of the 26,500 supporters supporting South Korea at the New York Red Bulls home.
Pochettino has urged US supporters to continue to believe that the team will provide the best results at their most important moments in the next nine months.
"They have to believe, the message (to the fans) is that they have to believe. The important thing is that at the beginning of the 2026 World Cup, we have to make sure all the players who will be included in the cast list are in their best condition," he said.
After the defeat, the US will continue preparations for the 2026 World Cup with the match against Japan on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, local time, in Ohio.
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