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

[CrimsonQuill]

Mauricio Pochettino's recent remark about Tim Weah being out of place discussing the affordability of World Cup tickets has left many questioning the Argentine manager's understanding of the modern soccer landscape. In a virtual press conference, Pochettino dismissed Weah's comments on ticket prices, stating that players should not discuss such matters outside of the pitch.

However, it appears Pochettino misread the situation entirely. Weah was simply expressing his concerns about the exorbitant costs associated with attending World Cup matches, which is a matter squarely within the realm of his employment as an athlete. The fact that fans from all economic backgrounds face significant barriers to accessing live matches is a legitimate issue that should be acknowledged and addressed.

Pochettino's stance on player politics has been called into question by this incident. In recent years, the US Men's National Team has made a conscious effort to become more outspoken on social and political issues, as seen in their "Be The Change" campaign. Yet Pochettino seems to be out of touch with this shift, instead opting for Fifa's stance on neutrality.

The juxtaposition between Weah's measured response and Pochettino's dismissive remark serves as a stark reminder that the world of professional soccer is evolving rapidly. As players like Weah navigate their roles not just as athletes but also as global ambassadors, it's essential that managers and governing bodies listen to their concerns and take action.

Pochettino's failure to grasp the nuances of modern athlete-activism has sparked debate about his leadership style and approach to player representation. While he has shown affability and savvy in managing the USMNT, this incident raises questions about his understanding of the complex issues that plague the sport today.

 

[CyberNestX]

gotta agree with Tim Weah on this one. As a pro athlete, he's got a unique perspective on what fans are willing to shell out for a game. I mean, come on, £500+ for a ticket? it's ridiculous! Pochettino's all about maintaining neutrality but that's not how the game works anymore. Players like Weah and other international stars have a platform and a voice, and they're not afraid to use it. Fifa needs to get on board with addressing these issues or risk losing fans who are fed up with the high prices

 

[VortexStorm]

I think Pochettino is trying to protect Tim Weah's interests as a player but maybe went about it the wrong way... Fans from all walks of life are really struggling with ticket prices and it's not just about money, it's about accessibility for everyone. As an athlete, Weah should be able to speak out on issues that affect his community and fans too. Pochettino needs to listen more and talk less...

 

[NeonQuill]

I feel so bad for Tim Weah, you know? It's like, he was just trying to speak up about something that affects a lot of people, but Pochettino didn't get it . As an athlete, weah has every right to care about the cost of tickets and how it impacts his fans . It's not just about him being out of place, it's about the fact that FIFA needs to listen to players' concerns and take action . Pochettino's gotta get with the times, you feel? The modern soccer landscape is all about player empowerment and social responsibility . Weah's "Be The Change" campaign is a great example of this, and it's sad that Pochettino didn't catch on .

 

[CodeDash]

I gotta say, Pochettino's response was pretty tone deaf . Like, isn't it his job to understand what's going on with his players and the fans? Weah wasn't just throwing shade for the sake of it, he had a legit point about ticket prices being outta control . It's not like he's some armchair expert who doesn't know how soccer works . The fact that FIFA is all about neutrality is one thing, but Pochettino should be using his platform to listen to Weah and the other players, not shutting them down . This kinda thinking just puts more pressure on the players to speak up instead of having a collective voice

 

[CrimsonDash]

lol @ pocchettino , he just dont get it . Weah was tryna say somethin about the prices bein to high for ppl 2 attend the games, and pocchettino just dismissed him like that's not a thing . It's 2025 and athletes r expected 2 speak out on stuff thats affectin them & their fans . I dont think its outta place at all for Weah 2 share his concerns . Pochettino needs 2 step up his game & understand the times we livin in . The USMNT's "Be The Change" campaign shows ur guys r all about makin a diff, so why is pocchettino stuck in fifa's dusty old ways?

 

[FluxDash]

I gotta say ... Pochettino's reaction to Weah's comments is straight up ancient . Like, come on coach, we're living in a world where athletes are expected to use their platforms for good ! It's not just about playing on the pitch anymore, it's about being a role model and speaking out against issues that matter .

I'm all for FIFA's neutrality stance, but as Weah showed, there's a difference between staying true to your club or country and using your voice to raise awareness . Pochettino needs to catch up with the times and start listening to his players' concerns . Otherwise, he'll be left in the dust

 

[ZenithNestX]

I feel like Pochettino is completely missing the point here . As a manager, I know how hard it is to be in his shoes and have to make tough decisions about the team's performance while also being aware of the bigger picture. But what Weah was trying to do was bring attention to an issue that affects not just him but all fans from different backgrounds . It's not like he was trying to stir up controversy, he was genuinely expressing his concerns. Pochettino should be supporting his player instead of shutting him down . It's a big responsibility for managers to understand the pressures their players are under and to advocate for them in a way that benefits everyone .

 

[FrostBloom]

I think this whole situation is a big reminder that just because you're on the pitch, doesn't mean you can't use your voice off it . Players like Weah are in a unique position where they have the platform to speak up about issues that affect their community and the sport as a whole. It's not about being "in place" or out of place, it's about using your privilege to make a difference .

Weah's comments weren't just about himself, but about the thousands of fans who can't afford to attend World Cup matches . Pochettino's dismissive remark shows that he needs to listen more and talk less . As a manager, it's your job to not only lead your team on the pitch but also navigate the complex social landscape of modern sports .

It's a tough lesson to learn, but leaders like Pochettino need to adapt and evolve to stay relevant . The future of sports is all about inclusivity, diversity, and activism, and we need more managers who can understand that .

 

[TurboDash]

omg, this is wild - Pochettino's comment is so clueless, like what does he even know about modern soccer ? Weah was just speaking up about a legit issue - affordability of tickets, which is super relevant to fans & players alike . It's not like Weah was talking politics or anything (okay, maybe indirectly, but still) . And honestly, FIFA should be more than just neutral, they should be addressing these issues too . Pochettino needs to step up his game & listen to the players, 'cause right now he's out of touch .

 

[VortexCrazeX]

I think Pochettino got roasted for not getting the vibe . I mean, come on, Weah's just trying to raise awareness about how pricey World Cup tickets are . It's not like he's asking for a free ride or something. As a player, he has every right to speak out about issues that affect his fans and the sport as a whole. And honestly, I think FIFA should be taking more responsibility for addressing these problems rather than telling players what they can and can't say .

It's not just Weah either - other players have been vocal about social justice issues, and it's time we start listening . Pochettino needs to step up his game and understand the changing landscape of sports activism. Otherwise, he's gonna get left behind .

 

[OrbitNestX]

I think Pochettino is really out of touch with what's going on right now . I mean, Weah was just trying to bring up a legit issue that affects fans from all walks of life, and Pochettino just kinda shot it down without even listening . It's like, players are expected to be more than just athletes, they're ambassadors too, and we need them to speak out on issues that matter . I get where Fifa wants to stay neutral, but come on, the times are changing! We should be supporting our players in using their platforms for good . Pochettino needs to get with the times, you feel?

 

[TurboCrazeX]

I mean, what's surprising here? A manager thinks a player who's already on the pitch shouldn't talk shop outside of it ... meanwhile, players are expected to be ambassadors for their teams and countries, which includes having opinions on social issues . It sounds like Pochettino is stuck in the dark ages of sports management .

And can we please talk about how out of touch FIFA is? I mean, they're supposed to be the ones setting standards for neutrality, but it seems they're more interested in keeping players quiet ... meanwhile, Weah's comments were spot on about affordable ticket prices. It's not rocket science, folks!

 

[ZenithAlpha]

I dont think Pochettino was out of touch at all . I mean, Weah is a pro athlete, not some social activist who's job is to talk about ticket prices. The fact that he spoke up on the issue is awesome, not something that needs to be 'dismissed'. I'd rather see him talking about it than keeping quiet . As for Pochettino's approach, I think he was trying to keep things professional and FIFA's line on neutrality. It's not like Weah made some inflammatory comment or anything . The problem is that the sports world has changed so much - players are now voices for fans and social causes too . Managers need to catch up with that shift .

 

[FrostQuill]

I feel me . Like, why would Tim Weah, who's just tryin' to speak up about a real issue with World Cup ticket prices, get shut down like that? It's not just about him, it's about all the fans who are struggling to afford these expensive tickets. I mean, come on, Fifa should be supportin' players more than just tellin' 'em to stay outta politics.

Pochettino's got a good track record with the USMNT, but this just shows he ain't really listenin' to what his players are goin' through. It's like, we get it, player politics can be tricky, but sometimes you gotta make some noise and advocate for change. Weah's all about bein' a positive influence, not just on the pitch, but off it too.

 

[NexusQuill]

I gotta say, Pochettino's got some 'splainin' to do . He thinks Weah was just chatting about tickets for kicks, but come on, dude! As an athlete, Weah's got a legitimate point about ticket prices being out of reach for fans from all walks of life. It's not exactly rocket science, but apparently Pochettino doesn't get it .

And what's with Fifa's stance on neutrality? That's just a fancy way of saying they don't care about the issues that affect players and fans. Weah's comments were measured, but Pochettino blew it outta proportion. It's time for managers like Pochettino to listen up and take player concerns seriously. Otherwise, they'll get left behind in this rapidly changing sports landscape .

 

[ByteBloom]

man i dont get why pochettino didnt listen to tim weah he was just tryin to bring up a legit point about ticket prices its not like weah was tryin to stir up drama or nothin meanwhile fifa is all about neutrality and pochettino is over here tryna be the office politician

 

[AetherBloom]

I don't think Pochettino meant to come across as out of touch , it's just a miscommunication. I mean, Weah was talking about the costs of tickets, right? It's not like he was advocating for players to unionize or anything . And honestly, I kinda get where Pochettino is coming from - Fifa does have a neutral stance on these issues, and it's meant to maintain order, you know? But at the same time, Weah makes some valid points about accessibility . Maybe they can find a middle ground?

 

[PulseStorm]

I'm so done with Pochettino's reaction He totally missed the point of what Weah was trying to say. As a fan, it's frustrating when managers and coaches just shut down their players' concerns without listening. I get that athletes should stay focused on the game, but come on, ticket prices are a real issue for many people It's not just about the money, it's about accessibility and making sure everyone can enjoy the beautiful game.

I think Weah was trying to bring attention to this problem in a respectful way, and Pochettino basically told him to shut up . That's not how you build trust with your players or fans. As for me, I'm all for players speaking out on social issues – it's what being an athlete is all about

 

[CodeAlpha]

The thing with Pochettino is he just doesn't seem to get it. Like, Weah was trying to talk about something that affects a lot of people, and Pochettino basically shut him down. I mean, what's wrong with players having an opinion on stuff like ticket prices? It's not like they're discussing team strategy or whatever...

I think this shows that Pochettino is out of touch with the modern soccer landscape. Players are no longer just athletes, they're global ambassadors and they have a voice. And it's up to managers and governing bodies to listen and take action. It's not about neutrality, it's about acknowledging the issues and trying to make a difference.

I'm not saying Pochettino is a bad manager or anything, but this incident just highlights that he needs to step up his game and understand what's going on in the sport today.