A former Chelsea boss and an ex-Blues player are in a serious confrontation, which probably wouldn’t be that much of a problem if they weren’t on the same side—the United States national team.Mauricio Pochettino said that his players can’t pick and choose which games they will be available for, reacting to Christian Pulisic’s “offer” to play in two friendlies before the Gold Cup but to be rested for the tournament.🚨 Enzo Maresca on Chelsea fans comparing him to Pochettino:🗣️ “He got Conference League qualification. I brought the trophy and Champions League. Respectfully, we are not the same.” pic.twitter.com/3f6VufFHda— Phake Sports News ™️®️ (@PhakeSportNews) June 14, 2025 However, Pochettino decided to leave the 26-year-old AC Milan atar out of his squad for the friendlies with Turkey and Switzerland.Speaking to CBS Sports, Pulisic said that while he “respected” Pochettino’s decision, he “didn’t understand it”, adding that those questioning his commitment to the national team were “way out of line”.”Players [do] not need to understand or not understand,” Pochettino fired back. “Players need to listen and to stick with our plan. They can’t dictate the plan. The most important thing is that we explained why we decided not to include [him] in the two friendly games. Then, if you have some problems, no, that is not my problem to understand. I am the head coach, I am not a mannequin.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8977264##USA lost 2-1 to Turkey and 4-0 to Switzerland, suffering four straight defeats before their Gold Cup opener against Trinidad and Tobago in San Jose on Sunday.
