Pochettino Expects Better Results in 2030 Cycle

Following Pochettino's contract extension, Lalas emphasized that the head coach will ultimately be judged on winning knockout stage matches, particularly round of 16 games. 'If this U.S. team under Mauricio Pochettino this summer had found a way to get past Belgium, all of this talk and all of this self-examination...that all goes away,' Lalas said.

Looking ahead, Lalas stressed the importance of keeping Pochettino through the next tournament cycle. 'That final judgment will come four years from now,' he said. 'It would really disappoint me if, after all of this and this decision that has been made today, if Mauricio Pochettino was not the coach four years from now.' sos-zagle.org.pl