Team USA Coach's Tear-Jerking Dressing Room Speech After Clinching Olympic Gold

Legendary head coach Gregg Popovich produced an incredible speech after Team USA defeated France to clinch gold at the Tokyo Olympics.

In newly-released behind-the-scenes footage, Popovich addressed his star-studded players with a few post-game words - and you can hear the passion in his voice.

PA

Team USA were heavy favourites to win gold at the Tokyo Games, but after a few tricky warm-up matches and an opening game defeat at the hands of France, critics immediately began writing them off.

The likes of Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker all found their names in the spotlight with sports pundits and fans alike accusing them of not pulling their weight.

They were even described them as "the worst USA team ever" after their first loss at the Olympic Games for 17 years.

But those damning words were soon forgotten when the Americans exacted their revenge over France in the Final to secure gold.

Well, it seems not everyone was quick to forget.

During Popovich's rousing dressing room speech, he sent a little reminder to all of Team USA's harshest critics.

"Olympic champions, that's what you are," he said.

I just got to tell you I feel so fortunate having the opportunity to be with you guys and the staff.

"In the beginning, you know, people are talking about 'Why is he on the team? He should've taken him. What happened to him? Why is here there?' All the pundits, all these people that they think they know something.

"And then we start out getting our a***s kicked after a couple practices and there it [criticism] comes again.

"You families are sacrificing back home the same way.

"I'm so proud to be a part of this, it's like the best feeling I've ever had in basketball," he said.

Clearly fighting back the tears, Popovich then signed off with a brilliant one-liner.

"And I would just like to say to all those people out there: How the f**k do you like us now?"

These comments drew a reaction from the players and backroom staff inside the dressing room who all cheered a clapped.

It was a rollercoaster ride for Team USA, but they got the job done in the end.

Topics: Basketball, olympics, Tokyo Olympics, NBA, Team USA, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry