INGLEWOOD, Calif. - U.S. men's national team manager Mauricio Pochettino sought to play down the political overtones of Thursday's Concacaf Nations League semifinal against Panama, stating "I think it's a big mistake if we talk about politics because I think people [aren't] waiting for us to talk in this way."
U.S. President Trump's recent comments regarding Panama Canal sovereignty introduced a layer of tension to the highly anticipated rematch between the USMNT and Panama, following the Canaleros' 2-1 victory in last summer's Copa América.
However, Pochettino stated that his team's preparation and focus remain solely on the competition, not the political backdrop
"We need to play for us.