In preparation for the highly anticipated friendly match against Mexico on Wednesday, October 16, US Men’s National Team (USMNT) head coach Mauricio Pochettino has trimmed his squad by releasing five players.
Following the USMNT’s convincing 2-0 victory over Panama in Pochettino’s debut match, the team is now gearing up for the challenging encounter in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Former Chelsea star Christian Pulisic has been released to his club for load management after playing a lot of minutes for the USMNT and AC Milan in the last month.
Other four players are Marlon Fossey, Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi, and Zack Steffen, who all have minor injuries and will return to their clubs for further evaluation and treatment.
The five players departing camp and their clubs
1. Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) – released for load management
2. Weston McKennie (Juventus) – minor injury
3. Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven) – minor injury
4. Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids) – minor injury
5. Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege) – minor injury
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino opens up on the departed players
The departure of the five players was officially announced through a press release by former Blues manager Pochettino, who currently manages the USMNT.
He stated that the decision was made to enhance the relationship between the clubs and the national team, emphasizing that they always prioritize the best interest of the players while respecting the bond with their clubs.
Pochettino said: “We are always going to make decisions that are in the best interest of our players and respect the relationship we have with their clubs.”
In the 2023-24 season, Pochettino was appointed as the manager of Chelsea but both parties decided to part ways after just one season.
Subsequently, he made his debut as a national team head coach, guiding the United States team following his appointment on 10 September 2024, taking over from former coach Gregg Berhalter.
Meanwhile, the USMNT will not summon replacement players, opting to proceed with the remaining squad members.
The USMNT’s rare friendly in Mexico presents an opportunity for Pochettino to fine-tune his tactics and assess his team’s readiness for future competitions.
USMNT remaining squad members
GOALKEEPERS:
Ethan Horvath – Cardiff City
Patrick Schulte – Columbus Crew
Matt Turner – Crystal Palace
DEFENDERS:
Kristoffer Lund – Palermo
Mark McKenzie – Toulouse
Tim Ream – Charlotte FC
Antonee Robinson – Fulham
Miles Robinson – FC Cincinnati
Joe Scally – Borussia Mönchengladbach
Auston Trusty – Celtic
MIDFIELDERS:
Brenden Aaronson – Leeds United
Gianluca Busio – Venezia
Aidan Morris – Middlesbrough
Yunus Musah – AC Milan
Tanner Tessmann – Olympique Lyonnais
Malik Tillman – PSV Eindhoven
FORWARDS:
Josh Sargent – Norwich City
Brandon Vazquez – Monterrey
Haji Wright – Coventry City
Alex Zendejas – Club América
When is the USA-Mexico Clash and where to watch
The highly anticipated friendly match between the United States and Mexico is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15.
The time for the friendly is 22:30 BST and the venue is Estadio Akron, Jalisco, Guadalajara.
The match will be broadcast live on TNT, Max and Futbol de Primera
What’s your take on the five players departing USMNT camp for their clubs and the Argentine boss Pochettino leading USA Men National Team? Please, share your thoughts with us in the comments box below:
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