Published by GOAL
Published by GOAL
Published by GOAL
Kellyn Acosta has been an underrated cog for the U.S. men’s national team since his debut in 2016. Could a new era at U.S. Soccer reignite his international career?
Acosta was a crucial part of Gregg Berhalter’s plans in 2021. He made 21 appearances that year, the most of any U.S. international since 1994. A deep-lying playmaker who can make an impact on defense, the midfielder has helped the USMNT lift three trophies – Gold Cups in 2017, 2021 and a dramatic Nations League win in 2021. He also made two 2022 World Cup appearances. Yet, despite his effectiveness, Acosta hasn’t made an appearance since April 2023.
Now things might be different. U.S. Soccer moved on from Berhalter after a disappointing 2024 Copa America. After a high-profile head coach search, former Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino reportedly has agreed to be the next head coach. With the Argentine coach taking over an ambitious squad ahead of a crucial two-year stretch, Acosta is determined to impress and make his case for inclusion. Despite playing for a struggling Chicago Fire team, he hopes his strong form this season will catch the new manager’s eye.
For the Wednesday Convo, a weekly Q&A with central figures in the U.S. soccer scene, GOAL US caught up with the midfielder to talk about Pochettino, his national team hopes, and the Leagues Cup.
It’s an exciting moment for the USMNT. They’ve reportedly brought in Pochettino to be the guy, what do you make of that decision?
I think it’s a huge decision. This shows the Federation doing their due diligence of finding a serial winner, guys that’s coached at the highest level, coached top, top players. It’s about rallying the group and getting the best out of the group in the years to come. I think it’s an incredible signing, and it showcased how far we’ve come as a national team, of getting the likes of a guy like Pochettino to be in the fold.
Obviously right now, that hasn’t been officially announced, but if that were to be a case, I think it would be huge for the national team, and hopefully he can drive us forward and have a good tournament come 2026
Specifically, what do you think he will bring?
From our standpoint, it’s invaluable for us to just learn from him, because he’s coached guys who are the best players in the world. I think it’s just great to have a guy who’s just a serial winner, a guy who knows what it takes, a guy who has coached at the highest level, coached top, top players. It’s about getting the most out of the group that we have now.
Is this a new chance for you to get back into the team, and show a new manager what you can do?
I think whenever a manager comes in, it’s one of those things, like a clean slate. I can only control what I can control, which is my performance for the club. It’s just about, you know, putting my best foot forward, and, you know, getting back to being involved and playing good ball. And hopefully Poch or whoever the coach may be, has their eyes looking at me. It’s about me, just performing week in, week out, but exciting times ahead. Hopefully when opportunity rises, I can make the most of it.
Switching gears, what have you made of the Leagues Cup this year?
It’s always weird playing against teams you aren’t necessarily familiar with. Liga MX is a super strong league and they’ve shown that over the years, especially winning a bunch of Concacaf Champions Leagues, and competing well in Leagues Cup. It’s a testament to what Liga MX is all about. But it’s also a positive to see MLS teams doing very, very well against Liga MX teams.