INGLEwood, California — Declaring, “I think it’s a big mistake if we talk about politics because I think people [are not] waiting for us to talk in this way,” U.S. men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino sought to minimize the political overtones of Thursday’s Concacaf Nations League semifinal against Panama.
Following the Canaleros’ 2-1 triumph in last summer’s Copa América, President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on Panama Canal sovereignty threw a layer of uncertainty to the much-awaited rematch between the USMNT and Panama.
However, Pochettino claimed that the preparation and attention of his team are still entirely focused on the Concacaf Nations League, not the political background.
Pochettino’s Focus on the Game
“We have to play for ourselves. Defending our flag and our badge makes us proud,” Pochettino remarked Tuesday during the news conference.
“We must play for our nation, but always on the pitch striving to surpass the opponent. Furthermore, I believe that discussing politics is a major error since people are not ready for us to approach this kind of communication. This is why I always consider. [That’s how I did it]. Though I hold strong values and a clear vision on the matter, I believe true strength lies in staying respectful, focused, and dedicated to helping the player perform and win.”
Pochettino added: “We want to destroy Panama, we want to destroy the next one, and we want to win but destroy.” He rapidly corrected, though, “When I say we destroy, it’s in a [sporting] way.”
Panama’s Coach on Politics and Football
Even more cautious in his opinions on the political overtones of the game was Panama’s coach, Thomas Christiansen.
“The political situation, it’s not my business,” Christiansen declared. “I would be happy to discuss football systems or strategies if you would want. But politics; it’s not my [thing].”
Tuesday’s questioning of Canada coach Jesse Marsch also focused on the influence geopolitical events could have among the Concacaf Nations League countries.
“I’m not going to get political right now,” said Wisconsin native Marsch.
“From watching the 4 Nations in hockey, it’s clear that the sports climate in North America has improved for national teams. In that we can just concentrate on the players and teams and supporting the love of the game, then whatever your nationality is, you can support your team all the way. I truly hope this tournament reflects our societies at their best, where we focus on the game instead of wasting time booing anthems or getting caught up in politics.”
Marsch called for the United States to “lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being a 51st state,” last month speaking extensively on the conflicts between his native country and Canada.
Pochettino’s Perspective on Political Influence in Football
Pochettino claimed that this was not the first time his professional life had collided with political circumstances. The Argentine has spent most of his coaching career in the United Kingdom, which in 1982 engaged in a conflict against Argentina for control of the Falkland Islands, referred to as Las Malvinas.
“To mix all these situations never was my way,” he declared.
“This is why, kindly, we should savour it since happiness is a great possibility to see four countries, four teams that are fantastic with outstanding players, under incredible coaching staff. Football is about to have fun for the fans. I invite the people to come and enjoy the game since, for me, this is the best game available worldwide.”
Learn more about Concacaf Nations League here
For more updates, check ESPN’s coverage on Nations League
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