Christian Pulisic dismissed speculation about tension with United States coach Mauricio Pochettino, saying their relationship remains positive following his return to the national team after skipping the Concacaf Gold Cup.
The AC Milan winger addressed reporters for the first time since last spring after starting in Tuesday\'s 2-0 victory over Japan. Pulisic had drawn criticism from former American players for missing the Gold Cup to rest after two demanding seasons in Italy.
Pulisic offered to play in friendlies before the tournament, but Pochettino rejected the proposal to maintain squad continuity. The decision sparked public debate about the player\'s commitment and the coach\'s approach.
\"We have good conversations,\" Pulisic told reporters about his relationship with Pochettino. \"Probably what you guys experience and what the media sees is a bit not exactly what we experience.\"
The 26-year-old emphasized the bond remains strong despite external perceptions.
\"Things are good,\" Pulisic. \"We spoke. We had a normal camp and everything is good between us, good between the team. There\'s probably not as much drama as you guys think there is.\"
Pulisic, who has 32 goals in 80 international appearances since his 2016 debut, assisted the second goal in the Japan victory. He expressed his continued dedication to the national team program.
\"I love this team. It\'s everything to me. I\'ve been here for quite a long time. For me personally, I don\'t feel like a step was lost.\"
Pochettino acknowledged both sides handled the summer situation imperfectly. The Argentine coach had previously stated he wouldn\'t accept partial availability from players.
\"We all made a mistake in some time, because we read the situation in a different way,\" Pochettino said Friday. \"The most important is that when you are intelligent people, if we want to move on and do the right things.\"
Both parties appear focused on moving forward as the USMNT prepares for upcoming competitions.
Via ESPN