“I think it’s incredible” – reacts the former Chelsea coach after his debut as a manager

Mauricio Pochettino kicked off his tenure as manager of the United States men’s national team with a 2-0 friendly win over Panama on Saturday.

Pochettino took charge of the Stars and Stripes for the first time since being hired to replace Gregg Berhalter, with this his first game in the dugout since Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth at the end of last season.

Despite limited time with his new players, Pochettino cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win, with goals from AC Milan’s Yunus Musah and talented PSV striker Ricardo Pepi delivering victory at the Q2 Stadium in Austin FC.

The win also ended a four-game winless streak for the United States, whose last win came by the same scoreline over Bolivia in their 2024 Copa America opener in June.

Mauricio Pochettino reacts to the start of the USMNT win

Pochettino is building momentum to guide the United States to the 2026 World Cup, which it will co-host along with Mexico and Canada.

The former Spurs manager was pleased with what he saw from his new group of players, who will look to improve further when they face Mexico in Zapopan on Tuesday.

“After a few days of training with the team, I think it’s amazing the way we were focused and focused and tried to stick to the plan,” said the Argentine (via BBC Sport) after his first game in the international management.

“It was a professional performance. It is the basis of the first step to start growing and improving.

“There are many things to improve, to correct, but this is the beginning of a process that must arrive in 2026 (at the World Cup) in the best conditions. I’m also happy because we won, and whenever you win, things are easier to correct and improve.”