U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) manager Mauricio Pochettino has outlined his vision for a complete transformation of the team's culture and standards during his second stint in charge, with comments that seemed to directly address star player Christian Pulisic’s decision to skip the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. Pochettino explained that the team’s approach to selecting players for the Gold Cup was different, noting that Pulisic’s reasoning—needing rest after his season with AC Milan and wanting to stay fresh for the 2026 World Cup—was not aligned with the team’s current mindset. Pochettino criticized this reasoning, calling it “bull----,” and emphasized the need to shift such perspectives. Pulisic, who did not score in four World Cup matches this year and suffered a serious injury during the U.S. team's round of 16 loss to Belgium on July 6, has not scored in 19 club games for AC Milan since December 28. Pochettino, who took over from Gregg Berhalter in the fall of 2024 and signed a four-year contract last month, is set to announce his squad on September 17 for the initial fixtures of his second tenure. These matches include friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada, followed by Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals in November. Pochettino emphasized the need for a new process, new rules, and new principles, stating that the team must start fresh and change long-standing habits. Several players left off the World Cup squad, including Diego Luna, Tanner Tessmann, and Aidan Morris, could earn recalls, while emerging talent like 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan may make their senior debuts. Meanwhile, players such as 19-year-old Zavier Gozo might be left out to better adapt to their new clubs. Pochettino expressed uncertainty about the status of Sebastian Berhalter and Max Arfsten, who recently moved to Middlesbrough, and mentioned that young players might be given national team debuts before being shifted to the under-23 team, which will be managed by Steve Cherundolo for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Pochettino stressed the importance of being cautious with young players, highlighting that confidence and belief in their abilities are crucial. He also criticized club coaches who hold young players back during international breaks, calling it “a big problem.” Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks has yet to decide whether to represent the U.S. or Germany, and Pochettino noted that Banks remains in the same position as before the World Cup, with the U.S. in contact with potential dual nationals. Pochettino also plans to reach out to striker Folarin Balogun, whose transfer from Monaco to Everton fell through, offering his support and hoping Balogun can find the right environment to thrive.