The national team of the American gentlemen is preparing for a turbulent summer, a characterized by increased pressure and expectations after their recent failure in the Concacaf Nations League.
Mauricio Pochettino and his team are well aware of the need to secure the Gold Cup, making the Concacaf tournament this summer a crucial benchmark for the national team while preparing for the World Cup next year.
Pulisic sets peace for the summer tournament
However, Pochettino will have to navigate various challenges, including the absence of his captain, Christian Pulisic. The Star -wing player has chosen Rest and has rejected his call -up for this summer's Gold Cup -a decision that has been confirmed by both American football and Pochettino itself.
Pulisic's decision caused the criticism within the USMNT community, in particular of former players. Among them is Alexi Lalas, who strongly questioned the absence of the captain during a crucial moment for Team USA on his Podcast State of the Union.
“I do not understand how a player rejects the chance to represent his country when it needs him the most, especially at such a crucial time. This is a heavy blow to Pulisic's image and for the team – if they need a positive presence, this summer should be the perfect opportunity to build experience prior to the World Cup,” Lalas said.
Lalas uses Messi as an example
Lalas continued his criticism of Pulisic and argued that the 'Captain America' made the wrong decision by skipping the USMNT this summer. He compared him with Lionel Messi, and emphasized that, despite the heavy match schedule during his career, Messi has chosen to represent Argentina at crucial moments.
“I played in a different era, but it is not to deny that the times where I participated were heavy. The challenges we were confronted with then do not compare with the opportunities, comfort and guarantees that players have today. Yes, they play a lot of matches – but you know what? So Messi does, and he never refused to play Lalas.”