○One thing’s for sure about post-game press conferences: they’re not boring. They always have something to talk about. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, but they’re not indifferent. This speaks to the relationship between the news protagonists, the press, and the coach in this context. One recent example was the case of US head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
What was supposed to be a friendly, cordial, and engaged question and answer session turned out to be just the opposite. The American national team defeated Uruguay 5-1. As Pochettino defeated his master Marcelo Bielsa, there was talk of highlighting the victory and talking about the match. But the mood got out of control.
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The Argentine coach was asked about player rotation. He was asked a question about the players who were in the starting lineup, referring to them as “regulars.” The adjectives used by the press officials irritated Pochettino. He described this attitude towards players as “disrespectful”.
He confronted the reporter with questions about his references. The coach’s discomfort led him to emphasize what his position was and why he should treat coaches and their players with respect.
I’m a US coach, not a janitor
He insisted on explaining what “average” meant. A frustrated Pochettino was adamant that his players would be just as disappointed as he was to hear them being labeled “average”. Because it’s an insult to the players who want to fight for their place and play in the World Cup.
Overwhelmed by the press conference and the situation, he apologized, citing fatigue and poor understanding of the language.
Maybe you’re tired and can’t understand English…I’m very disappointed in the first two questions
We must not forget that Pochettino said that his intention as national team coach was to foster a soccer language among the nation. This includes American media that is not used to it. He wants communication about the ball to be strictly related to the game, its concepts and codes.
Bielsa, Pochettino’s mentor
During the U.S.-Uruguay game, both coaches greeted each other and hugged each other. In addition to being Argentinians, they are also old acquaintances. Marcelo Bielsa coached Mauricio Pochettino in the historic Newell’s Old Boys team, which won the league title in the 1990-1991 and 1992 seasons.
