Pochettino Reveals Truth Behind Heated USMNT Clash With Star Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic is poised to rejoin the U.S. men's national team on Saturday for their match against South Korea, with head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirming that their previous disagreement has been settled.
"For me, that's behind us," stated the Argentine coach regarding his relationship with the American star, who opted out of the Concacaf Gold Cup to rest following his European campaign with AC Milan.
"These situations occur; we all err at times because we interpret circumstances differently."
Although the USMNT reached the Gold Cup final and witnessed impressive displays from various squad players, Pulisic's dispute with Pochettino captured summer media attention.
The manager also revealed he didn't hold discussions with Pulisic prior to selecting him for the September exhibitions against South Korea and Japan.
"That's history now, and we can observe with various players that Christian is pleased to be present. Naturally, he's a crucial player for our squad, and I believe it's about preparing for the World Cup. The atmosphere is positive. Everything is resolved," Pochettino commented Friday, having earlier declared he was "not a puppet" when Pulisic requested to join pre-Gold Cup friendlies but skip the actual tournament.
"The key aspect in this circumstance is that we all desire to progress and act appropriately; it's about being smart."
Pulisic, though, hasn't spoken to reporters before the September window friendlies, but has interacted with supporters during training and posed for pictures with former USMNT midfielder and current New York Red Bulls II manager, Michael Bradley.
Reintegrating Pulisic and Others
While Pulisic returns to the roster, along with other vital players like forwards Josh Sargent and Folarin Balogun, there are also important absences, with Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie among those not attending the September gathering.
However, attention centers on those present with the team, and how the group that excelled in offensive moments and solid defensive play during the Gold Cup can blend with the returning European-based stars, including Pulisic.
"[Achieving] success means maintaining what we began constructing in the Gold Cup," Pochettino stated about the September exhibitions.
"Winning is beneficial because it provides confidence and belief, but I believe the goal is to incorporate players, fresh faces who truly embrace the concept we started developing when we commenced the Gold Cup... That's why I'm somewhat calm that the core group is beginning to grasp our vision and we want to reach the World Cup in optimal form. They must familiarize themselves with one another."
World Cup Preparation Continues
It's clear that Pochettino places the tactical framework of the USMNT at the heart of his planning nine months before the World Cup, though he hasn't yet determined the foundation of what the tournament squad will resemble.
Through the exhibitions against South Korea and Japan, he and U.S. Soccer hope that clarity emerges, enabling subsequent fixtures, including games against Ecuador, Australia and others to conclude 2025, to begin finalizing World Cup specifics.
"I dislike being predictable," Pochettino remarked. "But you require these kinds of talents, skilled players who can execute various tasks while respecting structure, yet having the ability to generate disruption in the opposition because they're creating disorder in the other team, but with discipline. I'm unsure if I can clarify this, but I'll attempt."