United States legend Tony Meola wants Mauricio Pochettino’s team to be more like Arsenal at the 2026 World Cup.
Arsenal lost the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain last weekend, but they did win the Premier League title.
Despite the Gunners’ success, they received criticism throughout the season for playing an unattractive style of football.
Meola has now suggested that the USMNT should actually take inspiration from Arsenal ahead of the World Cup this summer.
Tony Meola says USMNT should follow Arsenal’s example
One of Arsenal’s biggest strengths is finding ways to win games when they have not played well, especially in attack.
It takes great focus and determination to defend well for 90 minutes and to be clinical with limited chances at the other end.
Following the USA’s 2-2 defeat to Germany on Saturday, Meola suggested they should learn from Arsenal as soon as possible.
Pochettino’s side were arguably the better team on the night at Soldier Field, but they still came unstuck against a tough opponent.
“When I watch really good teams, they find ways to win when they play poorly. I just think that’s the sign of a great team,” Meola explained.
“Arsenal won the Premier League. They weren’t perfect all year, but they found ways to win all the time. That’s how you win [trophies].
“I think this German team has enough quality that if they don’t play their A-game, they can find a way to win. I wonder whether we have that quality.
“I feel like this team has to play perfectly to win, and that’s okay, but it’s a tough place to live because you’re not perfect every day.
“I think the next step for this group is finding a way to win when they don’t play well. Do we have enough time to do that? We’re at the World Cup.”
Looking ahead to the USMNT’s group games, they should have enough quality to beat both Paraguay and Australia.
The USA’s match against Turkey and any of their knockout games will soon put Meola’s theory to the test.
It is just not possible to play your best in every round, so Pochettino’s side will need to grind out a result at some stage.
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