Mauricio Pochettino says things could be worse.

“If we will be in this situation today, in one year’s time, for sure, I will tell you, ‘Houston, we have a problem,’ no? SOS.”

Pochettino was speaking after back-to-back losses to Panama and Canada dropped the USA to fourth place in the Concacaf Nations League, a tournament it had won in 2021, 2023 and 2024. 

The defeats continued the USA’s slide that began last summer when it failed to get out of its group at the Copa America, costing Gregg Berhalter his job. Pochettino was hired for a salary reported to be around $6 million, and the USMNT is in worse shape.

Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Paul Kennedy is the Editor in Chief & General Manager of Soccer America.