Poch prefers desire to talent for US selection

Mauricio Pochettino said on Nov 10 he will not try to "convince" players with dual nationalities to opt for the United States, insisting he wants to build a squad made up of footballers "desperate" to represent the country.

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Pochettino is preparing for his second training camp with the US after launching his reign as coach with games against Panama and Mexico in October.

The Argentinian, who named a 25-man squad on Nov 10 for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Jamaica, confirmed that his staff were looking at multiple players around the world eligible to represent the American team.

However, Pochettino said his staff would not expend excessive energy trying to persuade dual-nationality players to pledge their allegiance to the US as the squad prepare for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.

Two players in particular continue to be linked as possibilities for the American set-up - VfB Stuttgart's Anrie Chase and Burnley's Luca Koleosho.

Chase is eligible to represent both Japan and the US, while Koleosho could play for Italy, Canada and the US.