SANTA CLARA, CA — Mauricio Pochettino has apologized for his combative comments to the press after the U.S. men’s national team lost 3-2 to Turkey in the World Cup last week.
The USMNT coach issued the apology on Tuesday, June 30 during his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Prior to media asking questions, Pochettino started the press conference by addressing the room of reporters.
“I want to apologize to the guys that were at my last press conference,” he said. “I was so frustrated. I was so disappointed.
“Sorry for that. It was my problem not your problem. I was so upset after the defeat against Turkey.”
In his post-game press conference after the Turkey defeat, the USMNT boss called questions from reporters “weird” and insisted he should have been congratulated for leading the team to first place in Group D.
The Argentine rolled out a lineup filled with second-choice players against Turkey, a luxury he could afford having clinched the group prior to the game.
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Pochettino was especially irked when he was questioned if the loss to Turkey would halt his team’s momentum, which it built up by winning its first two group games.
“It cannot be possible that Turkey celebrates three points, Australia celebrates getting through, Paraguay celebrates getting through … for you to not say congratulations for winning the group, it’s a little bit sad,” Pochettino said.
When asked if the USMNT had lost some momentum heading into the knockout round, he responded: “I think it’s all positive, and I am so positive, and I am happy.
“Maybe I am not showing (it) because your questions are a little bit weird, but I am so happy, and the players are happy because I think we perform, we compete, and we are first.”
