Mauricio Pochettino breaks unwanted record as USA humbled by Switzerland just a year before World Cup begins

MAURICIO POCHETTINO’s nightmare start as USMNT boss continued with a thumping loss against Switzerland.

The Stars and Stripes trailed 4-0 at HALF-TIME infront of an embarrassed Poch in Tennessee.

Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the United States, at a soccer match.

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Mauricio Pochettino watched his US side fall to another defeat on TuesdayCredit: Getty
Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the United States men's national soccer team, on the sidelines during a rain-soaked match.

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The Star and Stripes shipped four goals in a dreadful first halfCredit: Getty
US soccer players Walker Zimmerman and Damion Downs after a game.

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The loss comes on the eve of the CONCACAF Gold CupCredit: AP

Pochettino‘s side have now lost four matches on the bounce since March.

The 53-year-old had declared his team had hit “rock bottom” after defeat to Canada in March.

But two months on, the USMNT are enduring their worst run of form since 2007.

It comes just twelve months before the country hosts the World Cup.

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Tuesday’s humiliating defeat was also the first time since 1980 the US have shipped four goals in one half.

Dan Ndoye, Michel Aebischer, Breel Embolo and Johan Manzambi were all on target for the Swiss at a stunned Geodis Park.

All four goals arrived in a 23-minute flurry before the break.

Pochettino’s men are preparing for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which kicks off on June 15.

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And after making a host of changes, the Argentine admitted he might have tinkered too much.

The former Spurs boss said: “First of all, I think it, of course, is our responsibility and my responsibility, the decision of the choice of the starting eleven.

USA manager Mauricio Pochettino gives reaction to 2-1 loss to Canada

“I think we wanted to give the possibility to the whole roster to have minutes and play for different circumstances and I think that is the risk that we took.

“The combination of the starting eleven of the team, wasn’t, I think, now after 90 minutes, the best.

“We need to say, blame ourselves. Criticise us. Because it was my decision, and that decision didn’t work, and when that doesn’t work, you need to be critical with yourself.”

Former Chelsea star Christian Pulisic has made himself unavailable for the upcoming Gold Cup.

Christian Pulisic of the United States reacting during a soccer match.

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Christian Pulisic has been slammed for skipping the Gold CupCredit: Getty

And the 26-year-old’s decision has been slammed by former USA forward Langdon Donovan.

After watching Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, in tears after Portugal’s Nations League triumph, Donovan said: “This is what it means to represent your country. 

“And if you don’t want to take this, as a professional soccer player and someone who gets the opportunity to wear that jersey and take it seriously and responsibly, then don’t come in.

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“This is what it means. He’s [Ronaldo] 40 years old, he played a long-a** season, he’s tired, he was out there grinding and hurt himself in the process.

“And I can’t help but think about some of our [USMNT] guys on vacation right now, not wanting to play in the Gold Cup. It’s p***ing me off.’

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