Mauricio Pochettino has just made some interesting comments about USMNT superstar Christian Pulisic.
Pochettino spoke to the media following the USA’s impressive 2-0 victory over Australia at the 2026 World Cup.
The USA won their second consecutive World Cup match despite Pulisic missing out due to a calf injury.
The winger was substituted during the USMNT’s game against Paraguay and did not fully participate in training this week.
Pochettino decided it was not worth taking the risk with Pulisic, with the third and final group stage match taking place next Thursday.
What Mauricio Pochettino said about Christian Pulisic’s World Cup role
Pochettino admitted it was “difficult” to leave one of the USA’s top players on the bench, but it was a necessary decision.
The Argentine knows that he needs Pulisic to perform at his best for the USA to go all the way at the World Cup.
While Folarin Balogun has emerged as the USA’s newest star, Pulisic remains the best match-winner in the squad.
“Always difficult because we want to have all the players fit. He’s an important player for us, but that is a team,” Pochettino said, via BBC Sport.
“It was impossible for him today to play. We hope that next game he will be available, but if we want to win the competition, we need the whole team.
“All of the players need to be important, but of course, Christian is one of the best players in the world, and I hope that he can recover as soon as possible and can show it on the pitch and help the team.”
Pulisic is expected to feature in the USA’s final group game against Turkey next week.
If Turkey defeat Paraguay, Pochettino’s team will only need a draw to confirm their first-place finish.
However, if Turkey fail to beat their South American opponents, Pochettino may decide to rest Pulisic for another week.
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