"Depends on how we respond" — USMNT stars lean into competition for places | OneFootball

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino has come under fire for his squad selections in recent months.

The former Spurs boss has leaned on the depth of the American player pool, calling up a plethora of players who were once deemed to be only on the periphery of the national team.

But the players themselves are reportedly embracing the competitive environment in training ahead of this week's friendly showdowns with South Korea and Japan.

“With Mauricio coming in, the objective was clear that he wanted to bring the group forward,” forward Folarin Balogun said. “As players, it’s no surprise for us to be competing for places and positions.

"I think it’s something we’ve done all our careers. Everyone wants to make an impression, and I think that’s just natural. A big competition is coming in 10 months; it’s important to leave your mark.”

While Pochettino's propensity to ignore the perceived "best XI" since the start of his tenure as head coach has received plenty of media attention, the cultural reset is certainly being seen as a gift to some players looking for a new lease on life in red, white, and blue.

“It’s these opportunities we’ve been waiting for,” Club América star Alex Zendejas said this week. “I feel like it all depends on us, on how we were at our clubs to be able to get these opportunities and also make the most of it when we come into camp.”

The USMNT held its first team meeting on Tuesday as players reported for September camp, and the message from Pochettino was crystal clear.

“He definitely let us know that there are a bunch of people that do deserve to be here as well, and that he wants to be able to see everyone, so we each fairly get the chance,” Zendejas said.

“At the end of the day, it all depends on us and how we respond to those opportunities that are given to us.”

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