Pochettino weighs player workload as US prepare for Chile
After a 4–1 win over Peru, the coach praised first-time senior players and signalled likely rotation for the second match in an 11-day stretch.
Mauricio Pochettino praised the confidence and humility of the United States’ first-time senior players after the USMNT beat Peru 4–1. The coach is expected to rotate his side for Tuesday’s friendly against Chile, though the starting line-up has not been confirmed.
The 28-player squad includes 12 senior-team newcomers and 12 players from this year’s World Cup squad. Debutants Justin Ellis and Julian Hall scored against Peru, with Hall also providing an assist.
Pochettino said the newcomers appeared relaxed before the Peru match and were confident in their abilities on the pitch while remaining humble away from it. He also said he and his coaching staff had enjoyed working with the group.
Chile is the second of four matches in 11 days. Pochettino said players who logged more than 60 minutes against Peru might need rest, with Mexico and Canada also on the schedule.
He said Cole Campbell and Chris Richards had minor fitness issues and that the staff would avoid risking injury. Their availability and potential minutes against Chile remain unclear.
