The United States must aim for World Cup victory." This statement made by Mauricio Pochettino (53) during his inauguration press conference in September of last year sounded like a fresh commitment at the time. However, it has now become a sentence close to ridicule. The U.S. national team has plunged into a rut of four consecutive losses a year ahead of the World Cup, and questions about Pochettino's leadership are growing.

The British Guardian reported on the 12th (Korean time) that "the 'declaration of victory' presented by Pochettino no longer holds any persuasive power. The United States is now in a position of desperately trying not to be humiliated at home again."

On the 11th, the United States suffered a 0-4 defeat against Switzerland in a friendly match. This marked the first time the U.S. conceded four goals in just 36 minutes during a home game.

In the first half, the United States displayed a lack of teamwork, energy, and dedication in their performance. The U.S., which had already faced an identity crisis due to similar issues during the Nations League in March, repeated the same vicious cycle on this day. The Guardian pointed out that "what was most serious was the lack of energy and dedication. This issue is not tactical but a matter of will."

Pochettino candidly acknowledged, "This lineup was my decision. That decision was not effective. I take responsibility."

At the time of his inauguration, Pochettino emphasized, "The United States can win every game. We must believe we can also win the World Cup." This was a statement made shortly after being eliminated in the group stage of the Copa America, aiming to raise fans' expectations.

Even after the 1-2 defeat against Turkey on the 8th, he repeated the same statement, but after the disastrous loss against Switzerland, it instead sounded absurd. The Guardian pointed out that "now the U.S. national team cannot even guarantee basic victories, let alone winning the championship."

On this day, the United States fielded a 'C team' with most key players absent. Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Antonee Robinson, and Tyler Adams all missed the match. The average number of international matches played by the starting eleven was only 18, and five players had played five or fewer matches.

The Guardian pointed out that "the lack of motivation was an even bigger problem." Pochettino planned to determine the World Cup roster through this evaluation match and the Gold Cup, and although it was a chance for players to prove themselves in the competition for starting positions, their attitudes were disappointing.

Former U.S. national team legend Damarcus Beasley criticized, "Today was the opportunity to prove they are the right players for the national team. However, the players were not ready to fight."

Pochettino's use of players has also come under scrutiny. The Guardian assessed that "Pochettino needed to create combinations that maximize the strengths shown by players at their clubs. However, he failed to do so on this day."

A notable example is the side defense. Nathan Harriel, who primarily played as a center-back this season, was utilized as a right fullback on this day, while Max Arfsten, an attack-oriented left wing-back, played as a fullback instead of a 'wing-back.' Both players were exposed during the first two goals conceded from their respective flanks.

The goalkeeper situation was also controversial. Pochettino chose Matt Turner, who has barely played at Crystal Palace, as the starter. Despite having Matt Freese, who had a decent debut against Turkey, he opted for Turner, whose shaky saves led to Switzerland's third goal.

The Guardian evaluated, "The game improved after the introduction of five substitutes and tactical changes in the second half, but the outcome had already been decided." It continued, "Pochettino's candid reflection is refreshing, but if this level of performance continues until the World Cup, he will quickly lose trust."

The United States is currently on a four-game losing streak and will face Korea in September. The Guardian emphasized that "Pochettino must create a stronger team organization and tactical consistency to avoid embarrassment at home again during the World Cup."

[OSEN]