“He’s a great guy, a top coach who coached at the top level and knows how to perform in pressure situations.” Imagine these words coming from the very person you replaced. For those still guessing, it was ex-USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter backing Mauricio Pochettino for the job. Yep, that’s how the Argentine tactician was welcomed—not just by the former manager but by nearly every American. But time moves quickly, and today, the sentiment might not feel quite the same!

Boy, how time flies. It might sound unreal, but today marks the first anniversary of Mauricio Pochettino becoming the head coach of the US men’s national team. September 10, 2024, to recall, was the day that the US Soccer Federation dropped the ball. Since then, it has been quite a rollercoaster ride for both the 53-year-old and the national team.

In fact, let’s walk down memory lane to see how it has been under the former Chelsea boss. It all started with his debut game against Panama back on October 12, 2024, where the team secured a 2-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Yunus Musah and Ricardo Pepi. Fast forward to today, Pochettino oversaw his 18th match as the USMNT defeated 17th-ranked Japan 2-0 in Columbus, Ohio.

So far, the former Espanyol defender holds a 10-7-1 record with the United States, which includes guiding a young squad—averaging just 16 caps—on a run to the Concacaf Gold Cup Final in July, where they lost to Mexico 1-2. Sure, with wins, defeats have also come knocking at the Stars and Stripes’ door. But it is clear that in this past year, the ex-PSG and Tottenham manager has gone beyond the depths of learning the squad.

Mauricio has focused on both – developing individuals and casting a wide net across the player pool. In total, 59 different players have earned appearances under him, with 17 finding the scoresheet across 18 matches. Most recently, the September camp served as another opportunity to test depth before finalizing a more settled roster for next summer.

Hearing all of this—especially considering the timeline—it’s hard to argue that Pochettino hasn’t done his best. Then again, US Soccer fans seem to have drawn a different picture of the former Argentine international in their minds, and they certainly haven’t shied away from making it known!

US Soccer fans share thoughts on Mauricio Pochettino’s 1-year USMNT anniversary!

After the US Soccer’s official X account marked the milestone of Mauricio Pochettino’s time in the United States, ardent fans couldn’t help but express their discontent over their own manager. More than giving flowers to him, the South American boss is receiving harsh criticism from the very people who once might have thought highly of him. “One year ago, he sucked… one year later, he still sucks,” wrote one under the replies.

Though one may argue that, looking at the time Pochettino has spent in the States, that’s the best one could have anticipated seeing. Then again, a coach of his calibre was expected to do something magical as well. That explains why comments like, “And we somehow got worse since then,” as well as, “And it has been a trainwreck ever since,” have surfaced under the very post that marks a significant celebration for the head coach.

Who would have thought fans would be going this road, but one wrote, “September really a shit month for the U.S man.” If you’re still finding clues about why this netizen despises the ninth month of the year, well this next comment is all you need to get a subtle gist of what they are trying to refer to: “9/10 will always be remembered as one of the worst days in American history.”

Touche. Then again, one actually needs to think through why Pochettino is getting so much hate. Sure, before their Tuesday night victory over Japan, a defeat to South Korea recently with the very same scoreline had made it clear that fans and pundits alike had had enough. Why, you ask? Well, there are a considerable number of reasons.

Beyond the poor and questionable results, it also his questionable decisions. Like the fact that the team is just nine months away from hosting the prestigious World Cup tournament, and there’s still no clarity over team selection, with new faces still being called up. “I don’t know what to expect anymore. That’s where we’ve gotten with the USMNT. Nobody really knows,” is what former American player turned striker Herculez Gomez said recently.

And then a little more, this very nature has taken shape among American fans as well. Every ardent supporter is concerned about how the team will do in the World Cup, especially on their home turf. “And you as a whole continue to underperform and will have an absolute disaster of a home World Cup. Unwatchable,” wrote another, expressing their discontent over this past year.

But don’t forget, this is just one year. We still have a little less than nine months to see more from the US men’s national team. “We’re building something big here with a top coach, and it takes time,” is what Florian Balogun remarked after the Japan victory. Terms like patience were also used. With that being said, this is what the cynics and skeptics need for the time being.

Until then, Mauricio Pochettino must make sure he delivers on his promise. Otherwise, the hundreds of fans who didn’t shy away from slamming the coach won’t hesitate to tear apart his assurances again.