U.S. national team manager Mauricio Pochettino presented his 26-man squad for the World Cup on Friday. He then delivered a committed defense of the way the bad news was conveyed to those who did not get a seat. – In recent days, a social media has filled up with angry messages on behalf of those who did not get a place in what is referred to as the e-mail scandal.
A bit of a violent description, but that’s how it is today. Everything is blown up. – Many are demanding that Mauricio Pochettino be sent home and that a “real” American take over for the Argentine.
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Reports had claimed that the players were notified by email – instead of receiving a personal phone call.
At the press conference after the squad announcement, Pochettino explained his choices and dismissed the criticism forcefully.
“When I was a player myself and didn’t make a squad, I didn’t want my coach to call me,” he said.
“The players who weren’t selected don’t want me to say I’m sorry. If I call, it’s about myself. It’s just nonsense.
“That doesn’t mean we don’t care. On the contrary – we care very much. But we don’t want to say anything that confuses the players.
USA in tough group
The United States is placed in Group D along with Paraguay, Australia and Turkey. Two of the team’s three group stage matches will be played at SoFi Stadium.
As a prelude to the home World Cup, the United States will face Senegal and Germany in friendly matches.
Here is the entire USA World Cup squad
Goalkeepers:
Matt Turner (New England Revolution), Matt Freese (New York City), Chris Brady (Chicago Fire)
Defenders:
Sergiño Dest (PSV), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Auston Trusty (Celtic), Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC)
Midfielders:
Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Brendan Aaronson (Leeds), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Alejandro Zendejas (Club América)
Attackers:
Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Haji Wright (Coventry), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV), Tim Weah (Marseille)
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