Pochettino praises Navas ahead of Gold Cup quarter-final clash

Ahead of the Gold Cup quarter-final match against Costa Rica, United States national team coach Mauricio Pochettino offered high praise for goalkeeper Keylor Navas — calling him “one of the best in the world”.

Pochettino, who managed Navas at Paris Saint-Germain about three years ago, shared positive memories from their time working together. “We admire his mentality and quality,” expressed the Argentine coach.

Now these two figures will meet as opponents — Navas defending Costa Rica while Pochettino leads a young US national team. The challenge for the host team is compounded by an ankle injury suffered by Johnny Cardoso.

Costa Rica itself is not in optimal condition — their reliable striker Manfred Ugalde is absent due to yellow card accumulation, while Joseph Mora, Jeyland Mitchell, Ariel Lassiter, and Warren Madrigal also cannot play for various reasons.

“We are ready. We will prepare really well. And tomorrow is our show,” Pochettino stated firmly in the pre-match press conference.