Any suggestions about friction between U.S. national team star Christian Pulisic and coach Mauricio Pochettino were dismissed by the Argentine coach.
“There’s nothing to talk about,” said Pochettino on Tuesday. “I believe it’s all behind us from the summer. We must focus on the future.”
Translation: “No hay nada de que hablar”, dijo Pochettino el martes. “Creo que todo eso quedó atrás del verano. Debemos centrarnos en el futuro.”
To summarize: After experiencing fatigue from two intense European seasons, Pulisic requested to play in two pre-Gold Cup matches in early June but wanted to skip the continental championship. Pochettino denied this request, preferring to maintain a complete squad for the summer. Subsequently, Pulisic expressed his confusion regarding that decision during a June 12 CBS interview. On June 14, Pochettino commented, “I don’t need for him to understand our decision… Players need to listen and follow our plan, not dictate it.”
Pulisic leads the 22-player roster released by Pochettino on Tuesday ahead of upcoming friendlies against South Korea in New Jersey and another match against Japan on September 9 in Columbus, Ohio. An extra player will be added soon.
Speaking with journalists following Tuesday’s roster release, Pochettino confirmed he has not spoken to Pulisic since their last interaction. Nevertheless, he stated that there are no unresolved issues between him and the national team’s star forward.
Pochettino explained, “The plan for Christian is to call him in and to evaluate his condition in this camp, while hoping that he arrives in good shape. He had a productive preseason with Milan and is set to compete. That is the priority.”
Pulisic has participated in over 100 matches for AC Milan since his transfer from Chelsea, where he claimed the UEFA Champions League title in 2021. He topped Milan’s scoring chart last season and scored a goal last week in an Italian Cup victory over Bari.
Others from the U.S. team who missed out on the Gold Cup but have returned include Tim Weah, Sergiño Dest, and Josh Sargent.
However, notable absences include several 2022 World Cup veterans such as Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Joe Scally, Matt Turner, Haji Wright, and Walker Zimmerman, all of whom missed out despite being fit. Jedi recently returned from injury. Furthermore, Mark McKenzie and midfielders Johnny Cardoso, Aidan Morris, and Tanner Tessmann, all of whom have begun the new European season strongly, were also not included.
Replacements include several MLS players who were significant in helping a relatively unknown U.S. squad reach the Gold Cup final last month, like Diego Luna and Sebastian Berhalter. Additionally, uncapped newcomers Noahkai Banks, Tristan Blackmon, and Roman Celentano have been called up. Jonathan Klinsmann, a 28-year-old goalkeeper and son of Jürgen Klinsmann, who coached the U.S. in the 2014 World Cup, is also selected.
“This is the last chance to introduce some new faces,” remarked Pochettino, who will have only three more training camps — one each in October, November, and March — before submitting his final 26-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Translation: “Es la última oportunidad de presentar algunos rostros nuevos,” comentó Pochettino…
Pochettino has now called over 60 different players since assuming the U.S. coaching role 11 months ago. He added, “Players not included should not worry but should perform their best and truly believe that they can rejoin the squad next summer.”
McKennie’s exclusion is particularly surprising. He had been a reliable presence since scoring in his U.S. debut against Portugal in 2017, but he’s now a substitute for Juventus after being a regular starter for the past five seasons.
Pochettino stated that McKennie had a shortened preseason this year due to Juve’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, adding, “We wanted to let him settle at his club, aiming for him to reach his best form.”
He also commented on Reyna’s recent transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Borussia Mönchengladbach, stating, “I’m thrilled because he appears to be happy. When a player is happy, they will surely show their talent. If he can perform, it will benefit the national team.”
Pochettino concluded with a more subtle message by sidelining many familiar faces next month. The intention is to bolster the U.S. team performance when it counts most: at the World Cup.
“Managing 60-65 players and narrowing it down to 26 is challenging,” he explained. “We know what each player can bring to the team from previous camps. It’s up to them to seize the opportunity and demonstrate their commitment to the national team.” Translation: “Gestionar 60-65 jugadores y reducirlo a 26 es complicado,” agregó.
“If they excel in their performance, they will have the chance to return,” Pochettino said. “But no one is assured a position. That’s my message: Everyone needs to contend for their place.”
