'Those are two amazing coaches to have experience with' – Columbus Crew defender Max Arfsten compares coaching styles of Wilfried Nancy and Mauricio Pochettino

The Columbus Crew wingback has offered insight into the coaching approaches of his club manager Wilfried Nancy and USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino

Unlocking Potential: Max Arfsten’s Insights on Elite Coaching and National Team Challenges

In the dynamic world of soccer, standout Max Arfsten is making waves with his impressive performances, drawing from the wisdom of top-tier coaches like Wilfried Nancy و Mauricio Pochettino. As he navigates a pivotal season, Arfsten reflects on how these mentors have shaped his game, blending meticulous tactics with player empowerment, while his journey with the USMNT during the 2025 highlights remarkable personal development amid high-stakes competition.

Max Arfsten Breaks Down Coaching Philosophies of Wilfried Nancy and Mauricio Pochettino

  • Arfsten highlights Nancy’s focus on intricate details
  • Defender praises Pochettino for promoting individual talents
  • Appreciates how both approaches enhance each other

'Those are two amazing coaches to have experience with' - Columbus Crew defender Max Arfsten compares coaching styles of Wilfried Nancy and Mauricio Pochettino'Those are two amazing coaches to have experience with' - Columbus Crew defender Max Arfsten compares coaching styles of Wilfried Nancy and Mauricio Pochettino'Those are two amazing coaches to have experience with' - Columbus Crew defender Max Arfsten compares coaching styles of Wilfried Nancy and Mauricio Pochettino

The rising talent at Columbus Crew, Max Arfsten, is enjoying a stellar year, attributing much of his success to the guidance from respected figures like club boss Wilfried Nancy and USMNT leader Mauricio Pochettino. At just 24, this versatile wingback has shared the unique elements that set apart each coach’s methods.

“Nancy brings an incredible level of precision to every aspect, emphasizing exact tactical execution and maintaining a firm stance on our formation and style,” Arfsten shared during his appearance on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast. “His key concepts have really stuck with me… On the other hand, Pochettino emphasizes empowering players to leverage their best attributes. He positions you to excel and, particularly in attack, encourages you to express your natural game.”

He continued, “Their styles contrast, which I see as a positive. Neither is superior; it’s about balance. For me, gaining these varied viewpoints has broadened my skills immensely. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn from such outstanding mentors.”

Building Resilience: Max Arfsten’s USMNT Journey in the 2025 Gold Cup

The Columbus Crew player shared his thoughts on suiting up for the USMNT in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He pointed out the tough buildup, including underwhelming friendly matches, which forced the squad to regroup and refocus swiftly.

“My mental growth was enormous,” Arfsten noted. “That stood out as the key takeaway, especially with all the fluctuations. From the start, those delivered results no one hoped for-tough losses that set a challenging tone heading into the Gold Cup. We needed to turn things around, and that’s never straightforward.”

“However, the team spirit in the dressing room played a crucial role. Post-friendlies, we hit a pivotal moment: move past the setbacks, extract lessons, and push forward. Personally, I aimed to secure a starting spot and make an impact-that was my drive.”

Arfsten emphasized how the tournament’s highs and lows fostered his development.

“The experience was full of peaks and valleys, but it built my mental toughness, teaching me to push through tough spots during games and emerge stronger,” he explained. “Overall, it fortified my mindset through real-world trials.”

Key Contributions and Upcoming Challenges for Max Arfsten with Columbus Crew

With 10 international appearances under his belt for the USMNT, Arfsten featured in five matches at the 2025 Gold Cup, playing a role in four goals-a testament to his growing influence. Recent updates show him maintaining strong form, with the Crew boasting a solid defensive record in the 2025 MLS season, conceding just 1.2 goals per game on average.

Looking ahead, Arfsten and the Columbus Crew are set to take on in their group opener on July 29, followed by a clash against Puebla on August 1, promising exciting tests in the competition.