Just over six months before announcing the final training camp and selecting the World Cup team, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino surprised everyone with an announcement on Thursday.
The 25-man roster for the upcoming nine-day training camp and two friendly matches included some unexpected selections, especially Gio Reyna, whose European club career has hit a snag.
advertisement
There were notable omissions primarily due to injuries and fitness concerns, as well as coaching changes at various clubs. Christian Pulisic, Chris Richards, Weston McKennie, and Tim Weah are just a few of the significant absentees.
Pochettino focused on discussing the players he has selected, who will start training in the Philadelphia area on Monday ahead of the match against Paraguay in Chester, Pennsylvania, on November 15, followed by a game against Uruguay in Tampa on November 18. However, he was absent from a conference call with reporters.
No two situations are alike. Pulisic, regarded as the U.S. national team’s most crucial player, has been sidelined from AC Milan since injuring his hamstring against Australia last month. Even if he plays for Milan this weekend, he’ll be unable to fully participate in the U.S. camp.
Pochettino stated, “We felt it was best for Pulisic to stay in Italy for his recovery during this period, allowing him to regain full fitness for Milan. It’s just common sense.”
advertisement
Last month, Pochettino received criticism for allowing Pulisic to play against Australia after he had been ruled out from a match against Ecuador just days before because of an ankle issue.
Crystal Palace’s manager Oliver Glasner also expressed dissatisfaction that Richards played the entire friendly while dealing with an ankle concern. Although Richards still plays regularly for his Premier League club, Pochettino emphasized on Thursday that he wants to avoid overworking his key center-back.
ACLAN AND CRYSTAL PALACE “There’s no point in complaining because we prioritize player health and will never put anyone at risk,” Pochettino, making his debut as an international coach after managing Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, asserted.
He added that he was “very disappointed” by the backlash, stating, “I have deep respect for all coaches, clubs, players, and fans.”
advertisement
While McKennie is not injured, Pochettino noted that his primary focus is to solidify his position at Juventus, which recently underwent a coaching change.
“It’s essential for Weston to be there and convince the new manager of his value,” Pochettino said. “That’s the priority… we already know his capabilities for the (U.S.) team.”
Weah, left-back Anthony Robinson, and winger Alex Zendejas were left out due to injuries, while central midfielders Malik Tillman and Jonny Cardoso missed out after recent illnesses. Although Yunus Moussa is fit, his lack of game time at Atalanta has impacted his standing with the national team.
Gio Reyna was called up to the USMNT’s November camp despite seeing limited minutes with Borussia Monchengladbach.
(Christian Verheyen, via Getty Images)
Reyna, 22, has had limited playing time for his club and hasn’t participated in a U.S. camp since March. Nonetheless, Pochettino is offering him another opportunity.
advertisement
“We already recognize Gio’s talent and potential,” the coach stated. “He’s a remarkable talent. Although his time on the field has been limited, I believe November represents a great chance since we won’t gather again until March, and this could be our last look at him.”
After falling out of favor at Borussia Dortmund, Reyna has appeared in only five matches (one start) for his new Bundesliga club Mönchengladbach.
The former American rising star was embroiled in a post-World Cup controversy with then-coach Gregg Berhalter nearly three winters ago but has since encountered challenges in his club career while watching his national team standing wane.
Pochettino has consistently emphasized the importance of regular club play. When asked if calling up inactive players like Reyna could send a mixed message, Pochettino replied, “No, no, no… The key is whether they play consistently. That’s vital for us. Yet we must recognize that sometimes players struggle for playing time at their clubs but can still be crucial for us.”
Joining the camp are also goalkeepers Roman Celentano and Jonathan Klinsmann, defenders Joe Scully, John Tolkien, and Auston Trusty; midfielders Sebastian Berhalter and Sean Zawadzki; and forward Ricardo Pepi, a notable scorer for PSV Eindhoven, though he typically comes off the bench. This marks his first camp appearance in a year.
advertisement
Similarly, center-back Trusty has gained more minutes at Scottish club Celtic following an injury to fellow American Cameron Carter-Vickers last month.
Like Reyna, teammate Scully also returns after eight months away and will offer additional options at right-back.
Serginho Dest, Pochettino’s preferred right-back, and midfielder Tyler Adams are making a comeback after missing the October camp. (Dest was still recovering from an ACL injury, and Adams was home with his pregnant wife.)
Following this camp, Pochettino is reportedly unlikely to have another opportunity to work with his players until the late March camp, which includes friendly matches against Portugal and Belgium.
advertisement
When asked if he felt he would have enough time to prepare for the World Cup given the missing players and the relatively brief window, Pochettino reassured, “I’m not concerned… There’s plenty of time. We need to enhance our tactical understanding and give our all. It’s in our hands. I’m not worried… We’re going to assemble a strong squad capable of competing effectively.”
US roster for November friendlies
Goalkeepers: Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew).
Defenders: Max Alfsten (Columbus Crew), Serginho Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scully (Mönchengladbach), John Tolkien (Holstein Kiel), Auston Trusty (Celtic).
advertisement
Midfielders: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough), Gio Reyna (Mönchengladbach), Christian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon), Shaun Zawadzki (Columbus Crew).
Forwards: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Folin Balogun (Monaco), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Hadji Wright (Coventry City).
This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights Pochettino’s selection strategy and reflects the ever-changing landscape of player readiness leading up to the World Cup. The inclusion of players like Gio Reyna, despite limited club time, underscores the potential for fresh talent to impact the team’s performance on a global stage.
