---

US men's national team coach, Mauricio Pochettino, recently indicated the potential for favoring MLS players over European options who are not actively playing. Despite the USMNT predominantly consisting of European-based players in recent times, Pochettino's initial squad featured only four MLS players. Nevertheless, the coach emphasized that individuals lacking sufficient playing time at their clubs may face exclusion from the national team.

Pochettino underscored in an interview with CNN the importance of considering talented players competing in MLS for national team selection. Drawing parallels with renowned figures like Lionel Messi, Pochettino advocated for recognizing the competitiveness of MLS and its role in nurturing national team talent, suggesting that players actively participating in the league could offer greater value than those facing limited game time in Europe.

Expressing future aspirations beyond his current USMNT role, Pochettino expressed interest in managing teams in Argentina, particularly highlighting a potential position with Newell's Old Boys and the Argentina national team. As speculation swirls regarding the team composition for upcoming fixtures, Pochettino's remarks have sparked varied reactions within the soccer community.

Social media reactions have been mixed, with several users advocating for increased MLS representation in the national team, while others debated the quality of American talent in the league. Additionally, discussions around notable MLS players who could bolster the USMNT squad emerged among followers engaging in lively debates surrounding player selection and team dynamics.

As Pochettino's tenure unfolds, the extent to which MLS players feature in the USMNT lineup remains a focal point of intrigue for fans and pundits alike. With potential shifts in player selections and tactics under Pochettino's guidance, the national team's direction and performance moving forward will undoubtedly captivate the attention of the soccer community.

---