Mauricio Pochettino surprised a lot of people by agreeing to stay on as head coach for the USMNT, signing on for another four years as the squad officially kicks off the 2030 World Cup cycle! But even with Sounders star Cristian Roldan getting a recent call-up, the biggest immediate question for Poch is how he’s gonna handle wonderkid Cavan Sullivan.
The Sullivan Question: Patience or Push?
Pochettino just signed on for another four years, kicking off the 2030 cycle, but skeptics are already wondering if he’ll finish that contract. This fall international window, hosting Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada, is the USMNT’s first step. Right in the middle of it all is 16-year-old wonderkid Cavan Sullivan. The kid burst onto the MLS scene, establishing himself in the Philadelphia Union first team by May and scoring five goals in a five-game span through late August and early September. With a move to Manchester City already sorted, many expect Sullivan to be a central figure for the USMNT’s future, and honestly, the future feels like it’s now!
Pochettino, though? He’s preached caution when it comes to young players. Sullivan apparently told media he thought he could’ve helped the USMNT in 2026. Poch’s indirect response was sharp, telling everyone to pump the brakes. “You’re only entitled to speak a little out of place if you’re Messi and you’ve won eight Ballon d’Ors,” he said in Europe. “Even Messi, never are you going to hear him talking in this way. But if you are young and you start to talk that you can play here, you can play there… I don’t believe that these are in a right way to build your career in the best way.” So, does Poch give this phenom a shot now or force him to wait? That’s a massive call for this new cycle.
Finding a Defensive Rock
Beyond Sullivan, there’s another glaring hole for Poch: central defense. It’s probably the biggest squad issue. Chris Richards is an entrenched star and leader, but he has no established partner. Right now, there’s no one good enough to project as a comfortable long-term option next to him. That’s a huge problem for building a world-class squad for 2030.
The USMNT is kicking off this new cycle with those massive home games against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada. This supercharged fall window is all about setting the tone for the next four years. It’s go-time for Pochettino to navigate these challenges, prove the skeptics wrong, and build towards that 2030 goal of finally establishing the USMNT amongst the uppermost echelon of global football. Cannot wait to see how he handles Sullivan and shores up that defense!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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