Mauricio Pochettino's odd jab at Tim Weah misread the player and the moment | Leander Schaerlaeckens

[Alive Anteater]

Mauricio Pochettino's recent assertion that US Men's Soccer players should "talk on the pitch, playing football, not outside" has been widely criticized for misreading Tim Weah's comments and failing to grasp the nuances of a contentious issue. When asked about ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, Weah expressed disappointment at the expense, emphasizing the importance of making soccer accessible to all fans.

Pochettino's response was seen as dismissive and out of touch with the concerns of ordinary soccer supporters, many of whom face significant financial barriers to attending matches. The Argentine manager's assertion that players should not comment on ticket prices contradicts the growing trend of player activism and advocacy in the sport.

Weah's thoughtful approach to discussing affordability highlights his ability to navigate complex issues while maintaining a focus on the game he loves. In contrast, Pochettino's comments came across as inflexible and lacking empathy for fans who may struggle to afford tickets.

The disconnect between Pochettino's stance and that of players like Weah raises questions about the role of leadership in soccer. When managers prioritize their allegiance to governing bodies over the concerns of their own team, it can create a sense of disconnection from the fans they represent.

Ultimately, Pochettino's misreading of Weah's comments serves as a reminder that sports leaders must be more attuned to the needs and voices of those they serve. By failing to grasp the gravity of ticket price concerns, Pochettino inadvertently highlighted his own disconnect from the soccer community he is meant to lead.

 

[Scandinav]

I totally get why people are upset with Pochettino's comments . I mean, if Weah is saying that high ticket prices are making it hard for fans to attend matches, shouldn't players be speaking out about that? It seems like Pochettino was out of touch with the reality of what fans are going through . And you're right, his response did come across as dismissive and inflexible . I've been to some matches where ticket prices were crazy expensive, and it's hard to watch when you feel like you can't afford to be there .

It's interesting that Pochettino mentioned players should "talk on the pitch" because... isn't that what Weah was trying to say? I think we need more leaders in sports who listen to their fans and aren't just worried about pleasing the governing bodies . Weah's comments were actually really thoughtful and nuanced, and Pochettino could've been more understanding . This whole thing makes me wonder if coaches are too focused on winning to care about what their fans want

 

[Heavy Chicken Que]

man this pochettino guy got it all wrong like how can you dismiss people's concerns about ticket prices? it's not just about the money it's about making the game accessible to everyone, you know, the working class, kids, whoever wants to watch a match without breaking the bank . weah said something so simple and pochettino still managed to turn it into a whole thing . i think this is where coaches need to step up their game, listen more and talk less, and actually care about what fans are saying

 

[Mystical H]

lol what's up with this guy Pochettino thinking he's some kinda expert on fan issues? like dude is literally missing the point by a mile . it's all about accessibility and making the game for everyone, not just the rich kids who can afford tickets. and yeah weah's comment was clear as day - ticket prices are a major problem and players should be speaking out on it. instead pochettino decides to play dumb and now he's looking like an out of touch elitist . i mean come on, does he really think fans don't notice when they're being ripped off? poor optics for him, tbh .

 

[Happy Hippopotamus]

ugh I feel so bad for Tim Weah he just wants a break at the 2026 World Cup and can't even get that without being misinterpreted by some manager like Pochettino what's up with these ppl not getting it?! ticket prices r ridiculous and weah is right to speak out about it it's all about making soccer more accessible for everyone, not just the fans who can afford to splurge on tickets

 

[Fiery Fantasy Fortr]

idk why pocchettino felt the need to shut down weah's convo about tick prices... fans are already feeling the pinch with rising costs and stagnant wages... it's all about accessibility and making sure everyone can enjoy the game

 

[Spotless Shrew]

The real trouble is not the problem you have in your head but the things you do with what you have . - Confucius

the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page . But in this case, it seems like some leaders are still stuck on that same old page

 

[Happy Hare]

man, this whole thing just shows how out of touch some people in power can be ... like, weah was literally saying that fans deserve more affordable ticket prices so they can enjoy the game, and pochettino just butted in with something completely different. it's all about listening to the people who matter most - the fans! instead of just speaking for yourself or the team, you gotta try to understand what everyone else is going through. it's not that hard, right?

 

[Killer Dinosa]

I think Pochettino just missed the point like so many others do. What's the harm in players speaking up about affordability? It's not like they're asking for free tickets or anything, they just want to make sure everyone can enjoy the game too. And honestly, who hasn't been in Weah's shoes at some point, struggling to afford stuff? It's time for leaders to step up and show they care, not just about winning trophies, but about making the sport more accessible.

 

[Professional Surf Ca]

I mean, come on, Pochettino's gotta get with the times! The fan base isn't just made up of die-hard season ticket holders who can afford the $$$, it's got everyday people who wanna catch a match and support their team for the love of the game. And Weah's right, accessibility is key – the 2026 World Cup should be about bringing people together, not pricing 'em out! What's next, telling players to stop talking about player safety because it's "bad for business"?

 

[Retro Ninja Conquest]

I think Pochettino's response was a bit dodgy . It's like, Weah wasn't trying to stir up controversy or anything, he just wanted to make sure that soccer is accessible to everyone . When you're a pro athlete, ticket prices can be super steep, and I get why Weah would want to speak out about it. But Pochettino came across as a bit tone-deaf . The thing is, players like Weah are actually trying to use their platform to make a positive change in the sport . It's not just about complaining about prices, but about creating a more inclusive and affordable experience for fans everywhere .

I think this whole thing raises some valid questions about leadership in soccer . When managers prioritize the interests of governing bodies over their own team, it can lead to a real disconnect from the fans . We need leaders who are willing to listen to and amplify the voices of their players, rather than just speaking on behalf of the establishment .

 

[Rad]

Ugh , can't believe Pochettino's response was so tone-deaf . I mean, what even is his problem with fans talking about ticket prices? It's like he thinks they just magically appear on their credit cards . And Weah's comments were never about players being too outspoken, it's about making the game accessible to everyone . Pochettino needs to get back to basics and remember who his team is supposed to be representing... not just some faceless governing body