Former United States men’s national team players Tim Howard and Alexi Lalas have called out star forward Christian Pulisic for not being present during Tuesday’s friendly vs. Mexico to get extra rest.
The former players turned pundits were upset with Pulisic missing the game due to “load management.” New USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino sent the AC Milan star back to Italy after Saturday’s 2-0 friendly win vs. Panama
Pochettino has stressed the importance of not overworking key players to avoid picking up injuries.
Howard and Lalas criticized that choice with the latter saying, “load management can kiss my ass.”
Alexi Lalas Pulisic criticism
Alexi was fired up after the USMNT’s loss to Mexico Tuesday night pic.twitter.com/TEVE3XGMUH
— Alexi Lalas' State of the Union Podcast (@SOTUWithAlexi) October 16, 2024
Lalas ended his rant saying there’s something wrong with Pulisic for choosing to stay healthy instead of playing Mexico in a friendly. No offense to Lalas, but we’d much rather see Pulisic continue to shine on the biggest stages in Europe instead of risking an injury in a meaningless game.
Former player Stu Holden debated Lalas on the hot take saying that Pulisic avoiding injury outweighs the friendly game.
We need to protect players sometimes. Before the game last night, I sparred with my guy @AlexiLalas and made the case for load management. It’s important to think about the bigger picture sometimes and make sure we protect the players from an overly congested calendar. #USMNT pic.twitter.com/zQ0xUAQ9rS
— Stu Holden (@stuholden) October 16, 2024
Howard had a different take on the situation and argued that Pulisic didn’t need to play in the Mexico game but should’ve stuck around to be a leader. Howard wrote his opinion for the Daily Mail.
Tim Howard Pulisic take
“Pulisic is our biggest player, our best player - and this was no normal USMNT camp. It marked the start of Pochettino’s reign and the countdown to the 2026 World Cup,” Howard said.
“No one can question his commitment to the USMNT, and no one can deny that he needs to look after his body. But even if he is not playing, he should still be there - to create the culture and set an example. I have been a senior player and a big personality in the locker room. I demanded a lot of people and what I found? The moments to show your gravitas tend to come off the pitch,” the former USMNT goalkeeper said.
“There were times when I was injured or on the bench. I had 100-odd caps by then, but I would carry the water. Or I’d pick the kits up off the locker room floor, while players making their second or third appearance were in the shower.
“They were small gestures that carried an important message: when we’re in deep and I’m demanding something of you, it’s nothing I would not do myself. That’s what makes a good leader. That’s when you build trust and culture. Not by leaving camp. But by supporting the team with words and actions.
“But at some point Pochettino, Pulisic and the USA have to flex their muscles and tell Milan: This is how it’s going to go down. We need Christian — to play or just to be around."
Pulisic left the USMNT camp on Sunday and will feature for Milan on Saturday in their Serie A match vs. Udinese.
