Pochettino explains Pulisic USMNT absence: ‘I am the coach, not a mannequin’ | OneFootball

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino has explained why Christian Pulisic did not feature for his nation during recent friendly losses against Turkey and Switzerland and why he will not feature in the upcoming Gold Cup: ‘Players need to listen and to stick with our plan’.

Pulisic, who made 50 appearances across all competitions with Milan this season, plus another seven with the USMNT, had given his national side his availability for the friendly matches against Turkey and Switzerland, but not for the Gold Cup matches thereafter, citing a need for rest after a busy two years with the Rossoneri.

Pochettino, meanwhile, has responded by telling the press that ‘players need to listen and stick with our plan’ and that ‘they cannot dictate the plan’.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts to a given up late goal during the second half of a CONCACAF Nations League semifinal match at SoFi Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Pochettino explains why Pulisic is not involved with USMNT

Pochettino decided that he would rather have one national team squad together for the whole summer, which has led to Pulisic’s exclusion given that he only wanted to be involved in the first two matches of the summer schedule.

“Players need to listen and to stick with our plan. They cannot dictate the plan,” Pochettino told the press, reported via ESPN.

“The most important thing is that we explain why we decided not to include him in the two friendly games. And then if you have some problems, no, that is not my problem to understand,” he continued.

“When I signed my contract in the federation, I am the head coach. I am not a mannequin.”