LOS ANGELES (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – Christian Pulisic has to deal with Mauricio Pochettino. The United States coach, according to the US press, did not at all appreciate the behavior of the AC Milan player who had only made himself available for the two pre-Gold Cup friendlies with Turkey and Switzerland, but not for the continental tournament, and was then excluded from both things.
“I respect his decision, but I do not understand it and those who question my commitment to the national team do not know what they are talking about”, the words of Pulisic himself to CBS Sports microphones, after the criticism of some former internationals. Pochettino, however, returned to the subject on the eve of his debut in the Gold Cup against Trindidad and Tobago.
“The players must not understand or not understand, they must listen and stick to the decisions. They are not the ones who can dictate the plans of the national team – the words of the Argentine coach in the press conference -. The decision not to call him in the two friendlies we explained, it is not my problem if someone did not understand. I am the coach, not a mannequin”.
Pulisic reportedly asked to be excused from the tournament to rest after a long season with Milan. “It’s true that he wanted to participate in the two friendlies, but for us the Gold Cup is an important tournament and we wanted him available for both the tests and the competition. I love communicating with my players, but at the same time I want all the players to have the same respect towards the technical staff. If someone doesn’t like it, I take note of it”.
In addition to Pulisic, the United States will also have to give up, among others, Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah and Yunus Musah.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS)
