Archive · 15 Jun 2025
Pochettino Rebukes Pulisic on Game Selection: 'I Am the Head Coach'
The US soccer coach, Pochettino, is in charge of who plays, not star player Pulisic.
Pulisic wanted to skip some games to rest.
Pochettino said he decides the plan, not the players, and has experts to assess player needs.
Pulisic says he doesn't understand the coach's decision, but respects it.
Pochettino stated Pulisic cannot choose his game availability.
Pulisic was excluded from recent friendlies and the Gold Cup.
Pochettino emphasized his role as head coach, not a 'mannequin'.
Pulisic expressed confusion, though he respects the coach's decision.
Pochettino's staff assesses player needs for rest.
- Who
- US coach Mauricio Pochettino and player Christian Pulisic.
- What
- Pochettino responded to Pulisic's request to choose games.
- When
- Following Pulisic's exclusion from recent friendlies and Gold Cup.
- Where
- USA
- Why
- Pochettino prioritizes team's assessment of player availability.
Pulisic's Perspective
Coach's Perspective
Player Availability
Pulisic's Perspective
Expresses confusion about the decision.
Coach's Perspective
Coach has authority over player selection.
- Coach
- Mauricio Pochettino
- Player
- Christian Pulisic
- Games
- Excluded from friendlies and Gold Cup
- Pulisic's Goals
- 32 goals in 78 international appearances
- Coach's Stance
- Coach makes decisions; players listen