Pochettino Unleashes Fury Over Missing USMNT Stars in October Friendlies Showdown
United States men's national team manager Mauricio Pochettino delivered a sharp retort during his pre-October international window media briefing when pressed about his roster choices.
Notable absences from the squad included Atalanta's central midfielder Yunus Musah and Borussia Mönchengladbach's right-back Joe Scally. ESPN FC journalist Jeff Carlisle challenged Pochettino regarding the omission of both Musah and Scally from USMNT exhibition matches against Ecuador and Australia.
"Next time you provide your list and your roster and after we can debate, or everyone can provide," an irritated Pochettino responded.
"I'm not going to talk [about it] because we never gave explanations for those who are not with us. When you are asking me about players that are not in the squad, it's because I think you in your mind you believe that they have [a] right to be here. I think we need to respect the players [making up the] 26."
Pochettino: Honor the Selected Players
The Argentine tactician drew comparisons suggesting that if legends like Lionel Messi, or the late Diego Maradona and Pelé, were excluded from their national squads, such questions would be more warranted. He emphasized respecting the chosen players for October's fixtures given the circumstances.
Musah, aged 22, has earned 47 international appearances for the national side, predominantly operating in central midfield under previous manager Gregg Berhalter. Scally, likewise 22, holds 21 caps and was utilized during the 2024 Copa América tournament while Sergiño Dest was sidelined with a lengthy injury. Scally featured in all three group phase encounters under Berhalter as the USMNT suffered elimination on American territory during the group stage—marking the first instance a host country failed to reach the knockout rounds in the competition's history.
Both Musah and Scally had previously been included in 2025 Concacaf Nations League rosters under Pochettino, contributing significant playing time in the quarterfinal clash with Jamaica and subsequent defeats to Panama and Canada in the semifinal and third-place fixture respectively. Following those matches, neither player has received a call-up for USMNT duty.
The USMNT roster for October exhibitions features key figures including Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman, Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah among others.