Former U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) head coach Bruce Arena has voiced concerns over Mauricio Pochettino’s leadership of the national team, questioning the Argentine manager’s understanding of American soccer culture and the challenges that come with coaching the U.S. team.

Speaking on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast hosted by former USMNT stars Landon Donovan and Tim Howard, Arena emphasized the importance of having a domestic coach who understands the nuances of the American soccer system. “If you look at every national team in the world, the coach is usually a domestic coach,” Arena said. “When you have coaches that don't know our culture, our environment, our players... it's hard.”

Arena, who currently manages the San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer, also expressed dismay at the national team’s recent struggles. The U.S. suffered back-to-back defeats to Panama and Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League, results that have raised questions about Pochettino's direction and impact on the team. “I'm watching and I'm shocked that we can't beat Panama and Canada. It was shocking to me,” Arena added.

Pochettino, who took over the USMNT in August 2024, brought a strong résumé with successful stints at Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain. However, his appointment came with skepticism about whether a foreign coach could adapt to the distinctive dynamics of American soccer, particularly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico.

Despite the criticism, Pochettino has acknowledged the growing pains of taking over a national team with a unique structure and developmental system. In a recent interview, he noted that success with the USMNT will take more than just tactics and talent it will require cohesion, competition, and a deep understanding of the players and the national identity. “The Gold Cup is a difficult competition,” he said. “To win, you have to compete with unity and purpose.”

The USMNT will be under the microscope in upcoming friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland in June, followed by the Gold Cup starting June 15. With the World Cup on the horizon, the pressure is mounting on Pochettino to prove he can lead this group effectively and silence the growing voices of doubt from prominent figures in American soccer like Bruce Arena.