Alexi Lalas
Soccer Analyst
Is it possible to be considered evil but still earn respect? That seems illogical.
To clarify, in a recent episode of Paramount+’s “Pulisic” series, Christian Pulisic, along with Tim Weah and his father, Mark Pulisic, addressed criticisms made by a former USMNT player who has since become a pastor.
Here’s what Christian remarked:
“It’s incredibly frustrating. Critics often say things like, ‘They didn’t care’ or ‘They didn’t try their hardest.’ You know, we fought for every ounce on that field.”
Weah also shared his thoughts:
“These critics seem more focused on gathering attention. They should know what it’s like to be scrutinized.”
And Mark Pulisic added:
“They should be cautious about their remarks on social media and consider the national team’s recent performance before speaking out.”
It’s ironic when one accuses others of seeking attention when they are doing the same.
Regarding these remarks, the first question arises: Are we truly evil? I feel that neither I nor those mentioned harbor malicious intent in our critiques.
A clip from “Pulisic” features USMNT legend Landon Donovan sharing his insights about the current squad. Donovan played in the best World Cup performance for the U.S. in history and even has a statue with LA Galaxy, proving that he has significantly contributed to the national team.
And let’s not involve family in disputes. While Mark Pulisic clearly cares for his son, it seems unusual to bring him into the argument. If you want to express frustration with critiques, fine, but there’s no need to involve your father.
My father never shielded me from criticism, and I think it’s important to handle such things independently.
Less than a year from now, Christian Pulisic and the USMNT will take center stage at the world’s biggest sporting event. (Photo: Mark Thorstenson/ISI Photos/ussf/getty Images for ussf)
If your team is facing criticism and uncertainty, it’s crucial to win the support of American fans who genuinely want to stand behind you. Actions that portray you negatively will only amplify the backlash while appearing immature.
Ultimately, changing perceptions is done on the field, where your legacy is defined. It’s a lucky opportunity to be compared to Landon Donovan, which can certainly change next summer at the World Cup.
Alexi Lalas, Soccer Analyst for Fox Sports and Host of “The State of the Union” Podcast. He represented the USMNT at the 1994 FIFA World Cup and led LA Galaxy to significant achievements, including bringing David Beckham to Major League Soccer in 2006.
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Fan Take: This conversation highlights the tension between players and their critics, which is essential for the growth of soccer in the U.S. Maintaining open dialogue and constructive criticism will not only strengthen the team but also enhance the overall perception of the sport among fans.
