Football General Manager
- Arfsten hails Pochettino’s impact
- Discussed challenges of U.S. soccer development
- Admits his aim is land in Europe
AUSTIN, Texas – The U.S. men’s national team’s run to the Gold Cup final was a meaningful moment for a relatively young squad that featured 15 players from MLS. Although the team would ultimately lose 2-1 to Mexico, it was a strong bounce back after lackluster showings against Turkey and Switzerland in June friendlies.
According to Max Arfsten, who played in five matches during the tournament and had three assists and one goal, the turnaround wasn’t coincidental – and full credit to coach Mauricio Pochettino.
“First two friendlies we played, obviously, the results [weren’t good], we lost both of those games,” Arfsten said at MLS All-Star Media Day. “And, you know, he could have kind of blamed us for that, because we’re the ones playing. But he took, you know, the ownership and, like, kind of took it on himself with the media and stuff. So that kind of showed me he cares about us.
“It’s not easy for someone to do that, especially when you’re not playing – to take the blame to protect us, in a way. So I think that was a huge gesture that we all noticed. Like, OK, this guy, he wants us to, you know, be positive. Just have good vibes in the camp. And that’s what he did.”
Pochettino was under heavy criticism following those two friendlies, but following his team’s run to the Gold Cup final, there was optimism, considering how the team performed without several stars such as Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson and Weston McKennie. Arfsten has been in both the U.S.’s January camp and the Gold Cup and believes the Argentine’s approach throughout was a significant catalyst.
“He’s a really good guy, super friendly with the players, like, super emotional and, like, you can tell he cares about the players a lot,” Arfsten said of Pochettino. “It kind of goes without saying. Really good coach, as well. He’s coached at very high levels… Really good experience for me to just be able to be coached by someone who has coached at such a high level before.”
Arfsten also reflected on his own experience at the Gold Cup, making strides in development.
“I just got mentally stronger. To be honest with you, I was put in like uncomfortable situations, like playing with players you’re not really used to,” he said. “So going through all that, I think just made me mentally stronger. And then, you know, obviously I just gained a lot of good experience, like playing in big games and starting a lot and just kind of getting that experience.”
Another benefit of playing in the Gold Cup for Arfsten was seeing his stock rise. The wingback was linked with a move to Ligue 1, as the Columbus Crew reportedly rejected a bid for Toulouse, according to GiveMeSport. Arfsten acknowledged his goal is ultimately to land in Europe.
“Yeah, right now, obviously, it is a dream for myself, and I think any player to play in Europe at the highest level,” Arfsten said. “But you know, for now, I’m just focused on what’s in front of me, and just staying here as a moment, doing what I can to just be the best player I can be.”
The Columbus wingback is set to play in the MLS All-Star game Wednesday at the Q2 Stadium.
