2026-06-14 09:31:50
Tim Ream wishes he’d worked with Mauricio Pochettino earlier in his career.
The USA captain admitted the manager’s approach to the game has been “eye-opening” for his countrymen and he has completely overhauled the way the men’s national side approach the sport.
He told the Times newspaper: “It’s honestly been eye-opening, incredible.
“He has brought a different view than I have ever really seen, in terms of how emotions are important, connections off the field are important. Each pass, touch and piece of communication is important.
“Every one of the guys could be saying the same thing. I wish I had him as a coach sooner because of the level of detail, the level of commitment, the amount of knowledge and experience his whole staff has.”
Tim – whose passion for the sport began at a young age when the US hosted the 1994 World Cup – feels a “big responsibility” to be leading the squad in this year’s tournament.
He said: “It is a big moment. It’s also a big responsibility,” he says. “But it’s a moment you can look back on and say: I was a part of that. Not in a selfish way, but I was a part of the team that played in the 2026 World Cup that we hosted.
“For the next couple of generations, who may have the same dreams that we did, when we were younger, we get to be the group that inspires those kids. That’s mind-blowing to me.”
And after making his national debut in 2010, he was overlooked for the 2014 tournament, the US failed to qualify for 2018 and he was surprised when he received a call-up for 2022 after his career was rejuvenated at British club Fulham.
He said: “I’d been left out for so long. It was more of a shock to my system than anything. I had not been a part of the group for 14 months and then I got a surprise call.
“All of a sudden now I’m achieving a dream. It was shock and euphoria all at the same time.”
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