Mauricio Pochettino Assures Equal Opportunities for MLS Players in USMNT

Major League Soccer (MLS) players will have the same possibilities to represent the United States as their European counterparts, according to USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino. The recently hired coach highlighted MLS’s increasing caliber and competition, which make it a good source of players for international selection.

In his remarks on Sunday, Pochettino praised MLS’s standards, emphasizing the league’s discipline and physicality. Many players who have made the switch to Major League Soccer attest to the league’s competitiveness, he said. He cited Lionel Messi, whom he referred to as “the best player in the world,” as an illustration of the league’s prestige and popularity.

A Level Playing Field

Pochettino emphasized that playing in MLS will not disadvantage players vying for spots in the national team. “It’s not easy to play in MLS. It’s very physical. All of the players who have played here for a long time say, ‘Gaffer, it is very competitive.’ They train very well and have good discipline.” he explained.

The manager assured that MLS players will have the same chances as those competing in top European leagues, adding: “For me, they are going to have the same possibility playing in MLS as those that play in the Premier League, La Liga, Belgium, or France.”