Mauricio Pochettino’s move to Manchester United isn’t officially confirmed yet, but if you saw Folarin Balogun and Sebastian Berhalter at media availability on Thursday, you know everything you need to know. The faces of these USMNT stars ahead of their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals match with Haiti said it all: the Argentine manager, who’s been a game-changer for this squad’s culture, is on his way out after Michael Carrick’s sacking. With a crucial Nations League semifinal spot on the line, the players are trying to stay professional, but man, it’s tough to hide those emotions when the coach who led them through an entire World Cup is about to depart.
Balogun’s Rough Ride Just Got Worse
Folarin Balogun didn’t mince words when asked about what he wanted for the team. “If I had a vote, I would like to keep things the way they are,” he said. And honestly, who can blame him? He laid it out plain: “I think things have been working well; we have a clear sense of identity, we have a clear playing style, and whenever you have a top coach, you’d want him to stay, as it’s a no-brainer, so I think for us it’s no different.” It’s hard not to feel for Balogun, whose year has been a total roller coaster. Remember that World Cup red card being rescinded before the Round of 16 match against Belgium, where the USMNT got clobbered 4-1 and crashed out? Then his move to Everton got called off due to contract changes, and now he’s fighting for playing time at Monaco, with plans to leave the French club in January. This national team camp was supposed to be his escape, a break from all that, and instead, it’s just piled on more uncertainty as Pochettino’s exit looms large.
Berhalter’s Gratitude Amidst the Haiti Focus
Sebastian Berhalter confirmed the squad hasn’t officially heard anything about Pochettino’s future, but he stressed that the focus is still laser-sharp on the games ahead. “We’re focused on going against Haiti twice; they’re a good team. You saw at the World Cup, they surprised people, so that’s our main focus, and I think the group is ready to play these games,” Berhalter stated. For Berhalter, this news hits especially hard. He made his national team debut under Pochettino and hasn’t looked back, racking up 22 caps and consistently making decisions difficult for the coach in the midfield. He’s got nothing but praise for the manager who believed in him from day one. “Personally, on the field and off the field, he’s done a lot for me, and from day one he’s always believed in me,” Berhalter reflected. “Before I set foot on the field, I think about the way I play and the way that I try to carry myself. He just said it doesn’t matter what you’re doing on the field; these are already the right things. And to be honest, I can’t thank him enough.”
So, even with the emotional storm brewing, the USMNT has to stay locked in. They’ve got their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals match against Haiti twice, with that crucial semifinal spot waiting. It’s a tough situation, but this team has to pull together and show what they’re made of, no matter who’s at the helm.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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