Mauricio Pochettino has a tough exchange with a journalist and ends up exploding: "I'm not a concierge"

O ne thing is certain with the press conferences that are organized at the end of matches: they are not boring. They always give something to talk about. Sometimes for better, sometimes for worse, but they are not indifferent. This speaks of the relationship between the press and coaches, protagonists of the news in these contexts. One recent case was that of Mauricio Pochettino , head coach of the United States

What could have been a friendly, cordial and enthusiastic question and answer session turned out to be the opposite. The US national team thrashed Uruguay 5-1. Pochettino beat his master, Marcelo Bielsa, so there were topics to highlight the triumph and talk about the game. However, tempers got out of control.

The Argentine coach was asked about the rotation of players. To refer to the players who had been starters, he was asked about them by calling them "regulars". The adjective used by the press representative annoyed Pochettino. He described this way of conducting himself towards his players as "disrespectful".

He confronted the reporter by questioning him about his reference. The coach's discomfort led him to highlight what his position is and why they should address him and the players he coaches with respect.

I'm the coach of the United States, not the janitor

He insisted that they explain to him what "average" means. Annoyed, Pochettino was adamant that his players would feel just as disappointed as he was to hear that they are labeled as "average", because it is an insult to those who fight for their place and want to play in the World Cup.

Overwhelmed by the press conference and the circumstances, he apologized on the grounds of tiredness and little understanding of the language.

Maybe I'm tired and don't understand English... I'm very disappointed by the first two questions

It should be remembered that Pochettino has stated that his intention as national coach is to cultivate football language among the people. This includes the American media, who are not used to it. He wants communication about the ball to be strictly related to the game, its concepts and its codes.

Bielsa, Pochettino's mentor

During the match between the United States and Uruguay, both coaches greeted and hugged each other. In addition to being Argentine, they are old acquaintances. Marcelo Bielsa was Mauricio Pochettino's coach in the historic Newell's Old Boys teams that won league titles in the 1990-1991 and 1992 seasons.