USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear what he expects from Gio Reyna: maturity, both on and off the field. Reyna's recall to the U.S. Men's National Team for their final pre-World Cup tune-ups against Paraguay and Uruguay comes with a caveat. Pochettino is looking for the 22-year-old Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder to demonstrate a level of maturity that earns him a consistent place in the squad.
"If a player doesn't behave well," Pochettino stated, "he's not going to be with us". This message underscores the importance Pochettino places on character and conduct within the team environment.
Reyna's career has been marked by immense promise, but also inconsistency and controversy. After breaking into the Borussia Dortmund first team at just 17, he struggled to maintain his place, eventually leading to a loan move to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. That move also failed to ignite his career. In August 2025, Reyna transferred to Borussia Mönchengladbach in hopes of revitalizing his career.
Pochettino emphasized that the past is behind them, offering Reyna an opportunity to prove his growth. "We are going to make very clear in [Reyna's] case that the past is in the past," Pochettino added. "Now we give the opportunity to this guy to show that he's more mature and behave in the way that we expect and then perform".
Reyna has acknowledged the need to translate words into action. "I would love to look back in the future and say that it was a pivotal year, a few years here [at Borussia Monchengladbach]," Reyna said. "But talking is not really the way. You have to turn the talking into action".
Despite the challenges, Pochettino recognizes Reyna's potential. "I think he's an important player," Pochettino said. The coach's decision to recall Reyna, despite limited playing time with his club, signals a belief in the midfielder's ability to contribute. As of November 2025, Reyna had only played 146 minutes for Gladbach in all competitions this season, without any goals or assists. He has also struggled with injuries throughout his young career, and has not played a full match at club level since March 2022.
Reyna's primary focus is to secure a spot on the USMNT roster for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held on home soil. He told the Associated Press that he thinks about the World Cup "pretty often as it's somewhere where I need and want to be". He understands that consistent playing time and strong performances for Borussia Mönchengladbach are essential to impress Pochettino and earn his place.
The attacking midfielder signed a contract with Borussia Monchengladbach that extends through 2028. The transfer fee could reach €7.5 million, including potential bonuses. At Gladbach, Reyna joins fellow USMNT player Joe Scally, a close friend and former teammate from their time in the New York City FC academy.
Former USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes that Reyna has the talent to play for most clubs in the world. He emphasized the importance of Reyna staying healthy and getting consistent minutes on the field. If Reyna can avoid injuries and perform well, Friedel believes he will be an important part of the USMNT squad.
