The United States defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the second round of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage with a goal from Chris Richards. Pochettino said that Chris Richards has been working hard to incorporate experience into the game and admired his humble attitude.

In the 63rd minute of the second half, Sebastian Berhalter kicked the ball into the penalty area, and Chris Richards, who plays for Crystal Palace in the Premier League, fell to the ground and shot into the goal, helping the United States take the lead 1-0.

In the end, the United States defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0. After two consecutive victories, the United States ranked first in the Group D standings with 6 points and successfully advanced to the next round.

U.S. coach Pochettino said in an interview, "Chris Richards is applying the experience he has accumulated in the club to his performance in the team, but the most important thing is that he is still very humble, which is what I appreciate most about him. He came to the training camp and was always very open to learn and communicate, and I am very satisfied with his performance."

"That's exactly what we want to see because he has that ability. The same goes for the other players. When you create an environment where the players are confident, they feel the energy and play as a team. That's when they can step up in these crucial moments."

In addition, Pochettino also said, "I think we handled the pressure well. This game was not easy. Saudi Arabia is a very competitive team. I am very happy with this victory because competing with this type of opponent means a lot to our players. This is a way to learn and a way to force yourself out of your comfort zone."

"When you can't win a game, it's hard to explain the result and it's hard to tell the outside world that we are on the right track, we are doing well, it just takes time. But I think this is a process, and this process will help us become more stable and eventually bring us the victory we want."