Pochettino: Time for speeches is over ahead of U.S. World Cup opener - ESPN

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — U.S. men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino said that the time for fiery speeches is over and that his side is ready for Friday's World Cup opener against Paraguay.

Speaking at Thursday's news conference, Pochettino said he could be the best motivational speaker around, but no speech will compensate if a player isn't ready.

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«I think now is the moment that they need to build a way to know to prepare in an emotional and mental way, and I think everyone knows how to be ready,» he said.

«I think now they don't need an external motivation or inspirational speech. If you know the player and the mindset of the player, they need [that] before to get their best.

»They need motivational speech… when they need to go to train and improve in every single area because then tomorrow is [too] late. If they are not ready, I can be the best in the way to motivate players with my speech. But if you aren't ready, sorry guys, it's impossible to perform."

Pochettino said that all 26 players are available for selection, including defender Chris Richards, who only returned to full training this week after recovering from a sprained ankle.

«I think we celebrate that we are ready to start the competition with 26 player available to be selected,» Pochettino said. «Chris is available to be selected and then we will decide if you start from the beginning of the game or on the bench but I think we celebrate the show that our medical staff and performance [staff] worked really hard to recover.»

Pochettino also said he had decided on his