ussoccer.com: As you look towards building the roster, how have you gone about assessing the player pool?
MP: “Since we took over the project we wanted to identify and scout as many players as possible, both in MLS and those playing abroad. Now after eight months, I think we have a good knowledge and understanding about the player pool and which players we need to see in the future. For sure we have a better picture.”
ussoccer.com: Your first game as head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team was in Austin. What memories do you have from that night, and how will it feel to return?
MP: “For sure we have positive feelings there because it was a great place to make our debut with the national team, I think it was amazing, and yes we are looking forward to meet again all the people in Austin.”
ussoccer.com: What will the team need to do in order to be successful in the Gold Cup?
MP: “For sure to start we must compete hard. We must match the intensity of our opponents, because in these tournaments they are always motivated to play against the USA. Of course we must perform well to win and you don’t always get a result, but for sure in order to win you have to compete. It’s not just about showing up in your home country and trying to play nice soccer. No, you must be proud, you must fight for the people that would love to be in your position, for the millions of kids that are going to see us and dream to be one day where we are. This is type of responsibility and commitment we need to show in a different way than we did in Los Angeles.”
