The Argentine has identified the upcoming Gold Cup tournament as a critical evaluation period for goalkeepers
Pochettino declares Gold Cup a crucial moment USMNT coach disappointed over Schulte's injuryPlans to use friendlies to evaluate goalkeeper candidatesGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
United States men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino addressed the squad's unsettled goalkeeping situation ahead of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. With Matt Turner struggling for minutes at Crystal Palace last season, and Zack Steffen among several contenders, the USMNT has yet to establish a consistent No. 1.
Pochettino emphasized that the tournament will be a crucial chance for goalkeepers to stake their claim.
“I think now is the moment to, I think, to show – because it’s a fight between them – to show ‘That I am the No. 1,” Pochettino said on the podcast. “The two friendly games are good because I think we have the opportunity to see different opportunities and different keepers. But I think I am not worried about that because, like you say, we have quality, and also in behind we have another keeper that can perform.”
Pochettino also expressed disappointment that Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte won't be able to show because of injury. He was replaced by Brady.
“It’s true that I’m disappointed because sometimes the player suffered some injury and we cannot give the opportunity like Patrick Schulte," he said. "For me, it’s a signal that it’s going to be very natural, the selection, because it’s about that it’s going to be good.”
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Pochettino dived into Turner's struggles for game action this season, as the goalkeeper only played four club matches this season – all cup appearances. He stressed Turner needs constant reps as the No. 1, not just the limited ones he gets with the national team.
“After a long period, he didn’t play, and I think we were talking about the necessity to play," he said. "Because we cannot give all the tools in a few days preparing him to compete. They say that the competition provides some capacity, not only in your confidence, in your timing as well – and everything that is important."
Pochettino stress the need for players to compete for positions, and for overal team success.
"You need to tell some player, 'Look you need to play!' " he said. "At the moment, so far it’s good because we’re checking your character, your personality, your capacity to be a leader. But at some point to be a leader, you need to compete to have the right to express your talent and to talk with your teammates. That, I think, is really important for us. And that is why it was time to talk with the players who are in this situation to try to help.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The United States has experienced an unusual period of instability at the goalkeeper position following decades of world-class options like Brad Friedel, Kasey Keller, and Tim Howard. Current options include Turner, Steffen, Brady and Schulte (when healthy)
Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?
The USMNT will face Turkey on June 7 and Switzerland on June 10 as part of their preparation for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. These friendlies will provide crucial evaluation opportunities for goalkeepers in Pochettino's player pool.
