45 minutes vs Bolivia, 45 minutes vs Panama, and 90 minutes vs Uruguay—this is how much Tyler Adams has played for the USMNT in the 2024 Copa America group stages. Though considering the number of games that Star and Stripes played in the CONMEBOL-based tournament, these are pretty good minutes on the pitch. Yet, Adams was ‘hoping‘ that Gregg Berhalter wouldn’t be substituting him.

The midfielder’s disappointment for being subbed off in the crucial games came in the latest episode of the Men in Blazers podcast. Addressing his nation’s performance in the Copa, Adams said, “It still hurts me that I was taken out in those games. Bolivia understandably so, but in the second game, I was ready to play 90, for as long as I needed to, it’s tough.”

The 25-year-old was ready to accept his subbing off in the opening game as Berhalter had to maintain the team’s 2-0 winning momentum and confidence. However, deep inside there’s still a thought he cannot get over: “I was hoping to play more I’ll just say that.”

However, it was the second match vs Panama that unsettled him to this day. “I was obviously very angry; One, that I got taken out of the game because I needed to be on the field for those second 45 minutes. Then, not being able to control the situation for myself because I’m not on the field and just trying to have an influence and be the best version of myself for the rest of the guys,” he added.

Of course, the anger is understandable. The 2-1 loss vs Panama hanged their chances of making it to the quarterfinals on balance. It also created unjust pressure as the match vs Uruguay turned out to be a must-win, which of course they failed to do. Though Adams felt that his presence would have made some difference, wasn’t it Berhalter who bore the brunt for starting the midfielder injured?

Criticizing Gregg Berhalter over lack of minutes may backfire on Tyler Adams

Just weeks after Copa America concluded, news broke that Tyler Adams suffered a lengthy back injury. This led the former Leeds player to undergo surgery, and as a result, he is now expected to miss the Premier League 2024/25 season opener against Bournemouth, sidelining him for several months of domestic action.

This blow saw Berhalter face grilling from a chunk of fans for not just risking the star player but even calling him up for the Copa tournament. Of course, any player wouldn’t want to miss out on playing such a prestigious tournament and Adams rightfully played so. However, questions were raised at the US Federation for not interfering in taking the tough call.

Earlier, the Cherries’ boss Andoni Iraola made an interesting revelation while giving an update regarding the versatile American star: “He wanted to play Copa America because it was very important for him, but he had restrictions and was still in pain, so two days after they were knocked out, he had surgery.”

Even Iraola was doubtful when Adams would return but suggested he may return around September. Let’s see how the recovery goes for the US international.