The U.S. Men’s National Team just crushed Trinidad & Tobago with a commanding 5-0 win in the Concacaf Gold Cup – but if anyone thought the dominant performance would quiet Mauricio Pochettino’s critics, they were dead wrong.
Chief among them: USMNT legend Clint Dempsey, who all but laughed off the victory and reignited his public feud with the coach. “I’m not trying to hate, but this is one of the worst Trinidad teams I’ve seen in a while,” Dempsey said on The Deuce: Live! podcast. “I wish I coulda played tonight – I coulda got me one [goal].”
Even as Malik Tillman netted two goals and Patrick Agyemang, Brenden Aaronson, and Haji Wright each added one of their own, Dempsey dismissed the result as meaningless. And he didn’t stop there.
Dempsey questions Pochettino and Pulisic
The former Seattle Sounders star also went after the tense dynamic between Pochettino and USMNT star Christian Pulisic, criticizing the very public nature of their ongoing rift.
“I don’t think there’s a winner in this situation,” Dempsey said, implying that both Pulisic and Pochettino have done damage to the national program. “This stuff should’ve been handled behind closed doors.”
But Dempsey’s blunt commentary didn’t sit well with fans – many of whom quickly reminded him of his own history with Trinidad and Tobago.
Fans tear Dempsey apart
“Remember when you lost to Trinidad & Tobago to miss the World Cup?” one fan clapped back. “Would’ve been nice if Dempsey scored seven years ago against them,” another wrote.
Others pointed out that this win – no matter the opponent – was a much-needed confidence boost for a team trying to find its identity under a new manager.
Despite the backlash, Dempsey’s comments have reignited debate across the U.S. soccer landscape. Is he just being honest – or refusing to let go of the past? One thing’s certain: even after a five-goal blowout, the pressure on Pochettino isn’t going anywhere.
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