Mauricio Pochettino, the United States national team coach, has staunchly defended his decision to leave Christian Pulisic out of the recent friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland. This decision comes amid controversy surrounding Pulisic's request to be excused from the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Pochettino asserted his authority, stating that he, and he alone, is responsible for squad selection.
Pulisic's decision to skip the Gold Cup due to fatigue after two demanding seasons with AC Milan has drawn criticism, including from US soccer figures like Landon Donovan, who questioned Pulisic’s commitment to the national team. Pulisic responded by stating that he had wanted to participate in the warm-up games but was denied the opportunity by Pochettino, a decision he said he respected but didn't "understand."
Pochettino addressed the situation directly, emphasizing that players cannot dictate the team's plan. He acknowledged Pulisic's explanation for wanting to miss the Gold Cup but insisted that Pulisic didn't need to understand the coaching staff's decision. "Players don't need to understand," Pochettino stated firmly. "Players need to listen and to stick with our plan. They cannot dictate the plan." He added, "When I signed my contract with the [U.S. Soccer] Federation, I am the head coach. I am not a mannequin."
The US coach also addressed that he ensures not to talk to any particular player more than any other, so it doesn't seem like he's playing favorites. "I love to be in communication with my players," the 53-year-old said. "I love to communicate, but at the same time, I want to [ensure] that all the players feel the same respect from the coaching staff and from myself."
Pochettino also addressed that Pulisic needs to perform. “If he perform well, and he's the best, it is normal he is going to have a place in the national team ... But it's not because ... I want to be, I want to play, I want to do this, I want to do that.”
Pulisic's absence has indeed been felt. The US team suffered losses in the friendlies against Turkey (2-1) and Switzerland (4-0), marking their first four-game losing streak since 2007. Despite the criticism, Pochettino remains focused on the players currently present and ready to compete.
In an interview, Pulisic mentioned that he and Pochettino had a phone call where they "discussed everything" and that Pochettino "understood where I was coming from." He expressed his support for the team and wished them the best in the Gold Cup. He also stated that he doesn't regret his decision. "It's not what I felt was best for me and my body. The only point that I would make is that was I wanted to be at least a part of the two friendlies. I did speak with the coaches and I asked to be a part of the team in whatever capacity I could. They said no and they only wanted one roster. That's coach's decision. I fully respect it. I didn't understand it but it is what it is. That's just the way things meant. I had to make the best decision for myself and my team even though some people haven't seen it that way.”
As the USA embarks on their Gold Cup campaign, Pochettino's leadership and team management will be closely observed. The team opened their Gold Cup campaign against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday.
