Pulisic Dropped from U.S. Squad as Pochettino Asserts Authority Ahead of Gold Cup
By IDNN Football & Politics Desk
NEW YORK, USA – June 15, 2025
Tensions are boiling within the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) setup after head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that Christian Pulisic has been left out of the squad for the upcoming Gold Cup, in a decision that has sparked debate over player discipline, authority, and transparency.
Pulisic, the AC Milan forward and poster boy of American football, was reportedly willing to feature in two pre-Gold Cup friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland but had requested rest during the Gold Cup itself.
Pochettino’s response? A blunt message to the squad and public:
“Players do not need to understand or not understand,” he told reporters. “They need to listen and stick with our plan. They cannot dictate the plan.”
The Argentine tactician’s decision has triggered a media firestorm, with Pulisic caught in the crossfire between former national team legends, fan sentiment, and a team currently on a four-match losing streak.
🚨 The Fallout
Speaking to CBS Sports, Pulisic admitted his confusion:
“I respected the decision, but I didn’t understand it,” he said. “The criticism from people like Landon Donovan and Alexi Lalas is way out of line.”
Both Donovan and Lalas had publicly questioned Pulisic’s commitment to the national team, fueling a narrative that the forward was picking and choosing national team duty to preserve club form.
Pochettino, however, refused to be drawn into the emotional angles.
“I am the head coach, not a mannequin,” he added pointedly. “We have a plan, and that plan must be respected.”
Turbulent Times for Team USA
The USMNT are currently enduring a tough run of results, including a 2-1 loss to Turkey and a 4-0 drubbing by Switzerland, placing Pochettino under growing pressure just days before their Gold Cup opener against Trinidad and Tobago.
The absence of their biggest star only sharpens focus on Pochettino’s authority—and whether it will deliver results or backfire under scrutiny.
Broader Implications
Analysts suggest that Pochettino’s hard stance signals a broader cultural shift in the team’s dynamics—one that prioritizes long-term tactical discipline over short-term appeasement.
The real test, however, will come on the pitch. If the U.S. fails to perform in the Gold Cup without Pulisic, questions over this decision could haunt Pochettino deep into the World Cup qualification cycle.
