TThe U.S. men’s national team is undergoing a quiet transformation under coach Mauricio Pochettino, and one of its key players is under the spotlight. Seattle Sounders star Cristian Roldan said the Argentine manager has restructured the roster to focus on performance rather than geography and is rewarding players who earn positions, both in Europe and in Major League Soccer.
Roldan, 29, is part of a recent squad alongside emerging talents such as Diego Luna and Maximilian Alfsten.
For midfielders, Pochettino’s approach suggests a meritocratic system that emphasizes adaptability, work ethic and the ability to deal with high-pressure situations.
“I think we feel that way, especially based on his decision to bring in a player like me who had a good year,” Roldan explained to Tim Howard and Landon Donovan on Unfiltered Soccer.
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“And if you have a good year, you might be rewarded. And I think that’s the belief you have to have every day.”
The former MLS All-Star added that Pochettino is not afraid to select players from domestic leagues and send them to challenging international matches.
“He showed he’s not afraid to pick players from MLS and put pressure on them,” Roldan noted.
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For Roldan, the key message is clear. Performance under pressure opens doors.
“If you can show that you can play under pressure, you can have a career with Pochettino in the national team,” he added.
“And I think it doesn’t really matter where you play, it’s how you play that matters. And I think that’s what I appreciate about Pochettino, that he’s given a lot of players a chance this year.”
Pochettino, who took over after Gregg Berhalter, made some adjustments to the U.S. team’s tactical approach.
While Berhalter relied heavily on key players based in Europe, Pochettino appears to be more flexible, recognizing MLS standouts alongside international stars.
This philosophy not only encourages domestic players, but also sends a message to young Americans that strong domestic play is a pathway to the senior national team.
Roldan’s praise highlights how the coach fosters competition and responsibility within the team.
USMNT can only benefit from a fair approach
By valuing form and consistent performance, Pochettino has created an environment in which players must perform regardless of their league or club. This strategy could pay dividends as the USMNT prepares for the World Cup and future international tournaments.
For MLS players, this is a clear signal. A solid performance at home will earn them a chance on the international stage. Also, for stars based in Europe, the need to maintain high standards to ensure selection is reinforced.
Pochettino’s approach has been criticized, but Roldan’s voice of support shows he at least has the backing of his players ahead of the World Cup in four months.
