Players Must Adhere to Plan, Not Dictate Availability

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino addressed the situation surrounding Christian Pulisic's availability, stating that players do not have the autonomy to choose which matches they participate in. This comment came after Pulisic, who had played a significant number of games for AC Milan, opted out of the CONCACAF Gold Cup but offered to play in a pair of friendlies.

Pulisic cited the need for rest and recovery as the reason for missing the Gold Cup. This decision drew criticism from former U.S. national team players. In a recent interview, Pulisic revealed that he had requested to play in the friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland but was ultimately excluded from those matches. He expressed his confusion regarding Pochettino's decision and defended his commitment to the national team against those who questioned it.

In response to Pulisic's comments, Pochettino emphasized that players are expected to adhere to the coaching staff's plan. He clarified that the coaching staff had explained the reasons for not including Pulisic in the friendlies. Pochettino asserted his role as the head coach and made it clear that he was not a figurehead.

The U.S. national team experienced losses in both friendly matches, falling to Turkey and Switzerland. They are now preparing to begin their Gold Cup campaign, aiming to end a losing streak. Their first match will be against Trinidad and Tobago.