“Whole Thing Wasn’t a Disaster”- Christian Pulisic Clarifies Controversial Copa America Statement

When it comes to the national soccer teams for the United States, they are like two ends of the spectrum. The USWNT boasts of four World Cups, while the USMNT’s best finish is third place in the inaugural World Cup in the 1930s. So when the USMNT crashed out of this year’s Copa America 2024, the men’s side once again drew criticism, but Christian Pulisic is hoping things could have been different. 

One of the main complaints about Copa America was the poor pitch conditions. While FIFA regulations require matches to be played on natural grass, most of the NFL stadiums hosting the games had artificial turfs, so temporary adjustments had to be made. The organizers didn’t do a good job for uneven patches, water-logged sections and creases made the playing conditions poor. 

Speaking on the matter, Pulisic reflected that their poor performance worsened the already challenging environment. “That was obviously fresh off the emotions of that whole thing,” he told The Athletic. “It was tough to lose and to go out in the way that we did — just a really unfortunate second game (a 2-1 defeat against Panama) that we like to think we should have won.”

“The conditions as well can be tough in those games against these types of teams with the fields and all those things. It was just a quick statement. It’s not like the whole thing was a disaster. I enjoyed the experience a lot as well,” added Pulisic, emphasizing how all the circumstances put them in a tough spot. 

Uruguay’s head coach, Marco Biesla also voiced concerns about the poor playing conditions. Organizers drew criticism from players like Lionel Messi, Vinícius Júnior, and even Weston McKennie for the subpar pitches. Hopefully, this isn’t a glimpse of what’s to come, especially with the United States set to host the upcoming World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. 

Christian Pulisic full of praise for new head coach – “He has a very demanding style”

Ever since Mauricio Pochettino took over the USMNT job, expectations have been high, with critics closely monitoring his every move. “He has a very demanding style. He wants us to play an attacking style, where we have the ball, create chances, be very dynamic, and also work extremely hard,” said Pulisic. 

That playstyle is particularly evident in the new role he has for his wingers, especially Antonee Robinson. With the Argentine coach expecting his players to adopt a more pressing style, fans are pressing on the belief that Pochettino will be the one to lead the USMNT past the cursed Round of 16 in the World Cup. 

For now, Mauricio turns his attention to the upcoming January Camp where his side will be playing friendlies against Venezuela and Chile. Skipper Pulisic has already been ruled out until the end of 2024 with a calf injury, so Pochettino will be hoping that Captain America will be fit in time. Only time will tell how far this new generation of players will make it in upcoming tournaments.