Pochettino to Pulisic: "I'm the one in charge here" in the USMNT

The United States national team coach, Mauricio Pochettino, has made it clear that the players must adhere to the established plan, explaining his decision not to include Christian Pulisic in the friendlies prior to the Gold Cup, but to consider him for the tournament.

Players must listen and adhere to our plan. They cannot dictate it.
Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino emphasized the importance of players understanding the coaching staff’s decisions. He highlighted that his role as head coach involves making strategic decisions and that he is not merely a figurehead. Previously, Pulisic had expressed his desire to rest after an intense season with AC Milan and the national team, but he also wanted to participate in the preparatory friendlies for the Gold Cup. Although he respected Pochettino’s decision, he admitted he didn’t fully understand it. Pochettino justified his decision, arguing that the Gold Cup is a crucial tournament and that the original plan included Pulisic’s participation in the tournament, not just in the friendlies.

Pochettino to Pulisic: "I'm the one in charge here" in the USMNT

Mauricio Pochettino rejected Christian Pulisic’s request to only play in the two friendlies prior to the Gold Cup.The American team suffered defeats in the friendlies, losing 2-1 against Turkey and 4-0 against Switzerland, resulting in their first streak of four consecutive losses since 2007. Despite this, Pochettino reiterated his good relationship with Pulisic and the rest of his players. In addition to Pulisic, the United States will also be without other key players for the Gold Cup, the last competitive tournament before next year’s World Cup.

Weston McKennie
Timothy Weah
Giovanni Reyna
Antonee Robinson
Yunus Musah
Sergiño Dest

They will all miss the tournament due to injuries and participation in the Club World Cup. The team captain in the 2022 World Cup, Tyler Adams, is also doubtful for the opening match of the Gold Cup due to a foot injury. Pochettino also confirmed that midfielder Johnny Cardoso is battling an illness.