Pochettino: No one can rest easy during World Cup selection, even a star like Pulisic

US national team coach Pochettino emphasized that "no one can rest easy" in the selection of the World Cup roster. The players in the current lineup are all selected based on their strength.

Pochettino said that this principle also applies to American team stars such as AC Milan forward Pulisic and Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams. The two are currently absent due to injuries and will not be able to participate in the friendly matches against Paraguay and Uruguay.

Pochettino said: "For me, these players are the ones who deserve to be selected at the moment, and they are the ones we want to examine, and they are our choices. So, no one can rest easy, no one can feel that they will definitely be selected, even if it is a name like Pulisic or Taylor Adams. I think the interests of the national team are higher than the reputation of any player."

"This is a great opportunity, we decided to use one player to replace another player. The selected player needs to step up and prove himself, 'Yes, we also have a chance to be part of the next World Cup squad.'"

Talking about Pulisic, Pochettino expressed regret for his injury, but emphasized that the key is for the players to stay healthy when the roster is determined in May.

Pochettino said: "Pulisic was in perfect condition against Australia, but we have also seen the results. The most important thing is that all players can arrive in the best condition on the opening day of the World Cup, or a little earlier, because I need time to arrange the lineup."

US team defender Tim Ream pointed out that the final roster for the World Cup is more urgent than imagined. According to his estimation, the team only has 10 opportunities to practice together before the roster is determined, which makes the time plan particularly severe.

Ream said: "If you calculate it in days, it may feel too early, but if you look at the number of games, the number of training sessions, and the number of training camps, the World Cup is already around the corner."

Ream also said that he believes that the absence of personnel will not change the goals of the US team in the upcoming friendly matches and pre-match training.

Ream said: "Every player has his own goals, but these goals must meet the requirements of Pochettino and the coaching staff. Players have the opportunity to show their strength and may strive to be selected for the World Cup squad. For players who are here now or have been here before Basically, the situation is the same. Everyone is on the same starting line. You have to keep working hard, fighting for your position, and seizing every opportunity."

When asked if he felt the sense of urgency from the players in training, Reem said it was more of a high level of concentration.

Reem said: "The training intensity is more intense and more aggressive. The players are doing their best to stay in the team. As we get closer and closer to the goal, this is becoming more and more obvious. This is a positive sign. Everyone is eager to be a part of this team and eager to participate in the World Cup held at home."