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Why Mauricio Pochettino is benching USMNT stars with yellow cards
New York Post • • general
Key Points:
- U.S. men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino plans to bench key players Chris Richards, Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, and Antonee Robinson against Turkey to avoid risking suspensions ahead of the knockout stage.
- The decision aims to protect players carrying yellow cards from picking up a second caution, which would result in a suspension for the Round of 32 match starting July 1.
- Despite the players’ desire to play, including Balogun’s bid for the Golden Boot and Adams’ confidence in managing his yellow card risk, Pochettino prioritizes team readiness and injury prevention over individual participation.
- Pochettino emphasizes the need for players to compete fiercely without hesitation, balancing discipline concerns with managing injuries, player workload, and recovery to ensure full strength for the knockout rounds.
- The coach’s strategy focuses on maintaining team rhythm and confidence while preserving key players for the critical elimination matches rather than solely securing group stage points.
