Pochettino Fires Back: "They Cannot" — Sharp Response to Pulisic's Bold Claims

United States men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has issued a stern reminder to Christian Pulisic and fellow American players that they "cannot dictate" their availability for national team duty.

Pulisic stands as the USMNT's most recognizable and perhaps most talented player. However, the AC Milan winger is among several key players absent from Pochettino's final Gold Cup selection.

During a comprehensive interview where he addressed his many critics, Pulisic revealed that his decision to withdraw from consideration for the continental competition was strategic, with the upcoming World Cup on home soil in mind. The 26-year-old stated that transitioning "straight into preseason and then grind another year and go straight into the World Cup" would not be "best for my body."

The AC Milan star mentioned that he had expressed interest in joining the extended squad for friendly matches against Türkiye and Switzerland before the tournament, but Pochettino firmly declined. "They said they only wanted one roster and that's coach's decision. I fully respect that," Pulisic acknowledged.

When questioned about this sensitive selection issue prior to USMNT's Gold Cup opening match against Trinidad and Tobago, the Argentine manager was direct in his response. "Players [do] not need to understand or not understand," Pochettino told reporters on Saturday. "Players need to listen and to stick with our plan. They cannot dictate the plan.

"The most important thing is that we explained why we decided not to include [Pulisic] in the two friendly games. Then if you have some problems, no, that is not my problem to understand. I am the head coach, I am not a mannequin."

With the United States set to co-host their first men's World Cup since 1994 in less than a year, Pochettino's tenure has produced some concerning statistics.

The American team enters this summer's Gold Cup experiencing their worst form in nearly two decades. While Pochettino's squad remains among the favorites to win a tournament that Mexico and Canada will also be competing for, their poor recent results and emerging signs of team discord suggest uncertain prospects for next summer's global competition.