Chris Richards: US hiring of Pochettino shows serious ambition

Tom Hamilton, Senior Writer October 5, 2024, 6:29 AM ET

Close Joined ESPN in 2011 Covered two Olympics, two Rugby World Cups and two British and Irish Lions tours. Previously rugby editor, he became senior editor in 2018.

US defender Chris Richards says the hiring of Mauricio Pochettino in the men's team is a sign they are “serious” about developing the sport and the fact they have opted for a top coach and world-renowned, rather than a simpler option, is proof of their ambition.

Richards, who plays for Crystal Palace in the Premier League, was speaking on the matchday program ahead of their home game against Liverpool on Saturday at Selhurst Park. Despite making four starts this season at domestic level, he was left out of Pochettino's first USMNT team. A source told ESPN that his omission was due to a hamstring injury.

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Richards is expected to be out for four weeks, but he will keep a close eye on his USMNT teammates as they begin life under Pochettino at home to Panama on October 12 before traveling to Mexico on October 15.

He believes the USMNT's appointment of Pochettino is a sign of their long-term ambition and shows they are not afraid to aim big.

“You saw his success in club football,” Richards said. “It's another sign that American football is working to improve the game. Hiring a manager like Pochettino shows you are serious about developing the game.

“We could have taken the safer route of choosing a potential MLS coach, but I think they chose a coach who could turn them down, and opted for coaches from [his] The caliber is very impressive from US Soccer. I'm really excited, I hope we can win matches and tournaments with him.”

Richards said the United States is aiming big ahead of the 2026 men's World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. “It's funny, people ask me when I play for an American team: 'How far do you think you can go in the World Cup?' I say, 'I want to win it,'” Richards said.

“Whatever I do, we want to be the best and we want to win.”

Mauricio Pochettino was named USMNT coach in September. Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Richards is at the forefront of growing the sport in the United States, but he believes that for participation numbers to increase, the game must be made more accessible.

“Football is the fastest growing sport in America,” Richards said. “Everyone at some point in their life who grew up in the United States played, whether it was at age four or in high school to stay in shape.

“But I think the problem is you still have to pay to play. That's when people start to fall through the cracks because it's not a cheap sport .There is a lot of traveling to do because we are such a big country.

“Once you take away the 'pay to play' aspect, the sport is definitely going to grow. Hopefully with the World Cup, American soccer and everything underneath – Major League Soccer – we “We can get a model where it's a lot cheaper and there are plenty of ways to play for free.”

Meanwhile, Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams is on course to make his season debut after the international break.

The United States captain underwent back surgery in early July and is almost ready for the match, Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola said on Friday.

“Tyler won't be fit for the Leicester game but he's almost there,” Iraola said. “He will train fully with the team during the international break.”

The break follows Saturday's Premier League match at Leicester. Mid-table Bournemouth next host Arsenal on October 19.

Adams missed most of last season with a hamstring problem and, after a brief return, finished his debut campaign at Bournemouth with back spasms.

Adams, 25, played a full match for the United States in their 1-0 defeat to Uruguay in the Copa America on July 1, but days later had back surgery.

Adams was not part of US coach Mauricio Pochettino's squad announced this week for the upcoming friendlies.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Sources 1/ https://Google.com/ 2/ https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/41618966/chris-richards-us-hiring-pochettino-shows-serious-ambition The mention sources can contact us to remove/changing this article

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