Looks like Mauricio Pochettino has finally come full circle! More than his first-ever defeat as the USMNT manager against Mexico, the Argentinian tactician faced criticism over giving Christian Pulisic an early leave from the camp. However, AC Milan boss Paulo Fonseca has sent his special regards to Pochettino for bearing the brunt over this tough call.

‘Load management’ was one of the significant reasons why the former Tottenham boss decided to fly to Guadalajara without Pulisic for this mere friendly yet crucial match. Shortly after playing just hour mark against Panama, the 26-year-old winger returned to Italy and took significant rest for this weekend’s Serie A match against Udinese. Having recovered well, he was able to play the full 90 minutes for the Rossoneri.

On top of that, Pulisic was able to help his side secure a narrow win, courtesy of his assist to Samuel Chukwuese within 13 minutes—albeit the red card to midfielder Tijjani Reijnders in the following minutes. Interestingly, following the game, Paulo Fonseca had no choice but to extend special regard to Pochettino for doing his part. “Pulisic tired? First of all, I have to thank Pochettino for giving him a rest,” began the Italian.

Further clearing the air over the fatigue situation, Fonseca added, “If we think he’s tired now at the start of the season, what can we expect after 20 games? Christian has been the most consistent since the beginning of the year; I wouldn’t talk about tiredness at this point.”

The former AS Roma boss rather wants Pulisic to try and keep focusing on playing as much as he can, which will only benefit the former Borussia Dortmund man. Already, he has stacked up 6 goals for AC Milan, 5 in Serie A which makes him the top scorer, and one in the Champions League. Hence, Fonseca wants Pulisic to showcase his best throughout the season.

Regardless, even though the winger not playing the second consecutive game for USMNT benefitted his domestic side, the good thing is that Pochettino finally received the due that he deserved for his major sacrifice. As for Pulisic, he wasn’t spared for going with the flow!

Christian Pulisic slammed for ditching Mauricio Pochettino and USMNT vs Mexico

Mr. Captain America shining for his domestic side certainly came at the cost of his nation enduring a humiliating defeat to El Tri at Akron Stadium. This certainly didn’t settle in the eyes of USMNT icon Alexi Lalas who quickly took a dig at Christian Pulisic. “Load management can kiss my a–,” Lalas launched into his rant on his State of the Union podcast, alongside co-host David Moose.

Emphasizing that it should deeply affect Pulisic to miss out on playing for his country, he added, “Whether it’s in Guadalajara, Los Angeles, Columbus, or on the fr–king moon, you should want to move heaven and earth to be involved in a game as a USMNT player against El Tri. Anywhere, anytime, bring it. You want it,” said the former American forward.

“And if you don’t want to be involved, and if just brush it off, there’s something wrong with you, something wrong with the program,” concluded Lalas, stressing that these friendlies are critical opportunities for the Stars and Stripes to prepare for an impressive showing as the host nation in the 2026 World Cup.

Regardless, what’s done is done and one can only hope that Pulisic is able to shine similarly for the USMNT as well.