Chris richards
Image Source: IANS
FIFA WC 2026: My Team Don't Need An External Motivation Or An Inspirational Speech, Says US Coach Pochettino
FIFA World Cup: After extensive preparations for the global showpiece and months of ever-increasing hype and hoopla, US head coach Pochettino said he has no intention to give a big motivational speech in the build-up to the clash with Paraguay in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday.
US are competing in its 12th FIFA World Cup and will act as co-host of the expanded 48-team tournament alongside Canada and Mexico. Having previously hosted the global showpiece in 1994 and reached the semifinal in the inaugural 1930 edition, the U.S. was eliminated in the round of 16 by the Netherlands at the last World Cup in Qatar.
"I have already spoken to them. I have already talked... too much. I said to the players don't expect an unbelievable speech on Friday," Pochettino said at a pre-match press conference, as quoted by FIFA. "No, I am the opposite. I think now is the moment that they need prepare in an emotional and mental way. And I think everyone knows how to be ready.
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