Pulisic Clears the Air: No ‘Drama’ with Pochettino Despite Public Speculation

September 20, 2025 – After weeks of swirling rumors and public scrutiny, USMNT star Christian Pulisic has finally addressed the perceived rift with head coach Mauricio Pochettino, asserting that their relationship is far less dramatic than the media has portrayed. The AC Milan forward, a pivotal figure for the United States men’s national team, broke his silence following a strong performance in Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Japan, aiming to quash speculation and refocus attention on the team’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

A Summer of Speculation and Strained Relations

The narrative of a strained relationship began to take shape earlier this summer. Following a grueling European club campaign, Pulisic requested to be omitted from the USMNT squad for the Concacaf Gold Cup. However, the situation intensified when Pulisic revealed that his subsequent request to participate in the two friendly matches preceding the tournament was “bluntly rejected” by Pochettino.

Pochettino, known for his firm leadership, publicly reinforced his stance, stating, “Players need to listen and to stick with our plan. They cannot dictate the plan.” This statement, coupled with Pulisic’s absence from the Gold Cup where his compatriots battled to a final defeat against Mexico, fueled widespread media conjecture about a significant breakdown in communication and trust between player and coach.

Pulisic Returns and Reassures

As one of the co-hosts for the rapidly approaching 2026 World Cup, the USMNT has been eager to integrate its top talent. Pochettino recalled Pulisic to the squad for the September friendlies against South Korea and Japan. The Milan winger started both matches, demonstrating his enduring value to the team. After initially sidestepping media duties, Pulisic finally addressed reporters, insisting that his relationship with Pochettino was, in fact, “good.”

“There’s probably not as much drama as you guys think there is,” Pulisic told assembled reporters after Tuesday’s impressive 2-0 victory over Japan. “Yeah, we have good conversations, honestly. Probably what you guys experience, and what the media sees, is not exactly what we experience. Things are good. We spoke, we had a normal camp, and everything is good between us, good between the team.”

Pochettino’s Tenure: A Rollercoaster Ride

Pochettino’s tenure at the helm of the Stars and Stripes has been a mixed bag. It began promisingly in October 2024, with Pulisic assisting Yunus Musah for the first goal of Pochettino’s era, leading to a winning start. However, the mood around the national team began to sour after a humiliating Concacaf Nations League semifinal defeat to Panama in March. A record-breaking number of defeats followed, leading to increased pressure on the Argentine coach.

Tuesday’s strong showing against Japan, which saw Pulisic register another assist, offered some minor justification for Pochettino’s often bullish stance and provided a much-needed morale boost for the team. This performance, coupled with Pulisic’s public comments, suggests a potential turning point for the USMNT as they continue their preparations.

Looking Ahead: Crucial Friendlies on the Horizon

The USMNT, presumably with Pulisic in tow, will be back in action next month with a pair of crucial friendlies against Ecuador and Australia. These matches will be vital opportunities for Pochettino to further refine his squad and tactical approach ahead of the World Cup on home soil. There has also been speculation surrounding a potential showpiece World Cup warmup with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, which would undoubtedly be a major test for the American side.

With Pulisic now publicly affirming a positive working relationship with Pochettino, the focus can shift squarely back to on-field performance and the collective goal of making a deep run in the 2026 World Cup.