Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ... Pochettino's next coaching gig, principles of 1v1 defending, Turkish betting chaos, and more! | Listener Questions
Nov 22, 2025
What's next for Mauricio Pochettino after World Cup 26? Predicting potential team moves and USMNT recruits gets lively! Delve into the essentials of top-notch 1v1 defending, featuring standout players like Virgil van Dijk. Explore how promotion and relegation impact thrilling rivalries, and unravel the chaos of Turkey's betting scandal. Plus, a fun debate between two-color and three-color flag nations adds a playful twist to the discussion!
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Where Pochettino Might Land Next
- Mauricio Pochettino's next job depends on how he performs at the World Cup and will likely be back in Europe rather than MLS.
- Premier League, Atletico, Napoli, Juventus and returning to Espanyol were all discussed as plausible fits.
Train Speed And Positional Intelligence
- To excel 1v1 as a defender, prioritize speed and positional intelligence first.
- Work on body positioning, footwork, timing to avoid diving in too early and practice acceleration and backward pivots.
Van Dijk’s Proactive Duel Control
- Virgil van Dijk exemplifies elite 1v1 defending through calm, situational awareness, and by proactively forcing attackers into heavier touches.
- Leading the duel with small feints flips the dynamic from reactive to controlling.