'We're American. We don't take s---.' US says Pochettino instilled strong mentality for World Cup

AI Summary

The U.S. soccer team credits coach Mauricio Pochettino for instilling a strong mentality and resilience ahead of their World Cup campaign. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter highlights the coach's influence on the team's improved physical and mental toughness.

Although the cheers are still ringing in the Americans' ears after their impressive World Cup-opening victory, this U.S. team says it's prepared for the physical and mental challenges of the weeks ahead — including what's likely to be a physical meeting with Australia on Friday. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter gives credit for this tenacity to coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has taken over a team that repeatedly flopped on the international stage and infused it with a stronger mentality grounded in a few core beliefs. “I think that’s something that (Pochettino) really put in,” Berhalter continued.