United States manager Mauricio Pochettino pushed back against criticism over how he delivered World Cup roster news to players. The former Tottenham and PSG boss emailed those who missed the cut while sending personalized video messages to the 26 players selected for Group D.

Former US forward Herculez Gomez condemned the approach, calling it inexcusable that Pochettino didn't personally call rejected players. Gomez contrasted this with ex-manager Jurgen Klinsmann's voicemail method during the 2014 World Cup cycle.

Pochettino argued players prefer not to hear explanations immediately after being cut. 'When I was a player, when I didn't make the roster I didn't want my coach to call me,' he explained. He emphasized his emotional investment, noting he couldn't sleep for two weeks and still worries about excluded players.

The controversy overshadows preparations for the US opening match against Paraguay on June 13, followed by games versus Australia and Turkey. Pochettino's method reveals tension between modern communication preferences and traditional personal touches in international football management.