US Men’s National Team star Christian Pulisic praised Gregg Berhalter amid criticism of his new appointment as head coach, while simultaneously dismissing the negativity surrounding the move.
The U.S. Soccer Federation formally announced Berhalter’s return after rumors circulated that the World Cup coach would return.
Berhalter has been contracted up to and including the 2026 World Cup, a crucial period in the country’s football history as the tournament takes place partly on home soil.
An extensive search process was carried out, interviewing multiple managers, including former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch and ex-Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira. However, sporting director Matt Crocker chose Berhalter, who led the USMNT to the Round of 16 in Qatar.
‘If you can see, [the win vs. Mexico] is proof of work [Gregg Berhalter] in this team,” said Pulisic after the comprehensive 3-0 win in the Nations League semi-final vs. Mexico.
Gregg Berhalter was officially rehired in his previous position as head coach of the USMNT
Christian Pulisic praised Berhalter after his two-goal performance vs. Mexico
If that’s not enough evidence, that’s okay. People will hate anyway.”
Former American star Alexi Lalas firmly defended Berhalter on Friday after the public announcement of his new appointment.
“We have great things to look forward to in American football,” said the former LA Galaxy defender. The 2026 World Cup will be magical and groundbreaking for our country. We can’t afford to waste any more time.
“We have to move forward and I’m thankful that the US national team is leading the way with Greg Berhalter leading the way.”
BJ Callaghan, the team’s current interim manager, will continue to coach the team through the CONCACAF Gold Cup, US Soccer says. For Pulisic, a summer shrouded in uncertainty became somewhat clearer with the appointment of Berhalter.
It’s ostensibly a move that Pulisic favored, or at least didn’t dislike. Earlier this month, he was questioned about a possible return of the ex-Columbus coach.
‘I think [Berhalter] should be considered,” Pulisic said on June 5. “I think he’s done a great job with the team. He has taken us far. I think a lot of people and especially a lot of guys in the team would agree.’
The pair both performed positively at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as the US reached R16
Under interim coach BJ Callaghan, the USA stormed to a 3-0 win in the Nations League semi-finals
However, what still remains unclear is Pulisic’s club future. There is no doubting his talent – as evidenced by his virtuoso performance single-handedly taking down El Tri in Nevada.
Opportunity and consistency are hard to come by in West London and a departure from Chelsea is now beckoning. He says Pulisic has been given the ‘green light’ to leave the club in the summer Fabrizio Romanowho named AC Milan last week as a possible suitor for him.
Captain America has also been linked with Newcastle, Manchester United and Juventus at various points, with the latter named by ESPN last month as the favorites to get him.
The publication suggested it could cost $25 million for the club to sign a deal with Chelsea.
Unlike Pulisic, the future of Gio Reyna’s club seems set, but his position within the national team is – apparently at least – opaque.
Berhalter’s decision to keep Gio Reyna out of the starting line-up in Qatar was widely criticized
Berhalter, who faced criticism and humiliation from Reyna’s parents after the World Cup, tried to allay fears of long-standing issues between player and coach amid the backdrop of his once meddling parents.
Reyna’s mother, Danielle, revealed to US Soccer that the coach and his now-wife Rosalind had been involved in a domestic violence incident while in college.
“I would certainly recognize that there is work to be done, and Gio is an important player for this team,” Berhalter told reporters on Friday.
“He is an exceptionally talented person and I have an obligation and commitment to coach him as I coach any other player.”
I want to get the best out of him – we want to get the best out of him, and we know if we can unlock his talents, he’s going to be a breakthrough for this program.
“So there’s work to be done, and part of that is collaborating with [sporting director] Mat [Crocker]and trying to build a relationship, which we know will be important moving forward.