IRVINE, Calif. — United States midfielder Sebastian Berhalter has shared how manager Mauricio Pochettino has transformed the team’s culture by cultivating a mentality that encourages players not to “take s—.”
Since Pochettino’s appointment in September 2024, the USMNT has faced various challenges, including difficult defeats during the 2025 Concacaf Nations League last March.
Under Pochettino, a competitive atmosphere has emerged where no player’s spot is guaranteed—even those considered key players. He notably gave a powerful halftime talk during a friendly against Australia in October 2025, criticizing the team for their lack of aggression.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, Berhalter recounted how he perceived that strong message.
“One is that we’re American: We don’t take s—,” Berhalter stated. “That’s something he really emphasized. Even coming from Argentina, he brings this mindset of, ‘This is who we are and what we stand for.’ He has shown us, even from the outside, what it means to be American, and he instills that in us.”
Midfielder Timothy Weah highlighted that the lessons learned from that match will be crucial as the U.S. faces Australia again this Friday in the World Cup.
“That experience was intense and we’ve definitely evolved since that game [against Australia] in Colorado,” Weah told reporters on Tuesday. “We’ve become more aggressive, and it’s going to be an exciting matchup. I hold a lot of respect for Australia.”
Weah assured that the USMNT wouldn’t be swayed by “outside noise,” despite a six-month-old remark from the U.S. media characterizing the match against Australia as an easy win for the Americans.
This comment originated from CBS Sports analyst Mike Grella, who labeled the matchup favorable when discussing the World Cup draw last December. Grella reaffirmed his stance last month on the “Call It What You Want” podcast.
Weah maintained a different viewpoint.
“We’re not focusing on the outside chatter. Respecting your opponent is a key aspect of football. All these discussions are irrelevant to me,” Weah remarked.
Both teams are buzzing after impressive performances in their opening World Cup matches; the U.S. triumphed over Paraguay with a score of 4-1, while Australia defeated a favored Türkiye side. Before that match, Türkiye’s captain Hakan Çalhonoğlu stirred the pot by claiming his team would “dominate.”
Weah noted the similarities between the two teams.
“Australia is a youthful team that embodies fight, grit, and eagerness, just like us,” he commented. “We respect them as we do any opponent. It’s going to be a great game. I’m uncertain what the media is trying to accomplish, but our focus is on the larger picture and what we need to do as a team to prepare for this competition.”
“I anticipate an exciting match, and we as players have great respect for Australia.”
On Tuesday, U.S. attacker Christian Pulisic trained separately for the second consecutive day. A U.S. Soccer spokesperson indicated that Pulisic was undergoing “modified training” and his status is “day-to-day.” Weah praised his teammate, calling Pulisic one of the best players he has ever played alongside.
“In the end, Christian is a world-class player. For me, he’s among the top five players globally,” Weah expressed. “Watching him play has been incredible. His skills and humble demeanor are magnificent. He displayed that against Paraguay. His talent significantly benefits the team, and I am proud to play alongside him. I hope he’s ready for our next game.”
Following the match against Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle this Friday, the U.S. will conclude Group D competition against Türkiye at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.