Christian Pulisic recently revealed that he had requested to participate in the US national team’s friendlies leading up to the Gold Cup but not the tournament itself, a request that was denied. Pulisic, who plays for Milan, cited the need for rest as his body began to signal fatigue towards the end of the season. Despite his desire to be involved in some capacity, the coaching staff opted for a different approach, which Pulisic respected but did not fully understand.
His decision to step away from the squad this summer drew criticism from former USMNT greats like Landon Donovan and Tim Howard. Pulisic defended himself, stating that questioning his commitment was unwarranted and did not align with private conversations he had with these critics. Additionally, his father, Mark Pulisic, responded strongly to Donovan’s criticism on social media.
Amidst the controversies, Pulisic expressed his confusion over the negativity surrounding the team and players, emphasizing the collective effort and dedication they put into their performances. The US team has faced setbacks in their recent matches, including losses to Turkey and Switzerland, leading to scrutiny about the players’ commitment. Pulisic dismissed these criticisms as “lazy takes,” asserting that the team always gives their best on the field.
Despite the challenges and external pressures, Pulisic remains focused on his well-being and long-term goals, particularly looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup. The saga surrounding his absence from the national team highlights the complexities and expectations faced by top players in balancing personal needs with national responsibilities.
