Christian Pulisic throws his support behind the re-hiring of Gregg Berhalter despite criticism

US Men’s National Team star Christian Pulisic praised Gregg Berhalter amid criticism of his rehiring as head coach, simultaneously dismissing negativity surrounding the move. 

The US Soccer Federation formally announced Berhalter’s return, after rumors broke late Thursday night suggested the World Cup coach would return. 

Berhalter has been given a contract through the 2026 World Cup, a pivotal period in the country’s soccer history given the tournament is partially on home soil. 

An extensive search process was undertaken, with multiple managers interviewed, including former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch and ex-Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira. Though, sporting director Matt Crocker settled on Berhalter, who led the USMNT to the Round of 16 in Qatar. 

‘If you can see, [the win vs. Mexico] is a testament of the work [Gregg Berhalter] put into this team,’ Pulisic said following the comprehensive 3-0 Nations League semi-final win vs. Mexico. 

Gregg Berhalter was officially rehired to his previous position as head coach of the USMNT

Christian Pulisic spoke highly of Berhalter following his two-goal performance vs. Mexico

‘If that’s not enough evidence, then that’s all right. People are gonna hate no matter what.’

Former American star Alexi Lalas staunchly defended Berhalter Friday following the public announcement of his rehiring. 

‘We have wonderful things to look forward to in American soccer,’ the former LA Galaxy defender said. ‘The 2026 World Cup will be a magical and seminal for our country. We can’t afford to waste any more time. 

‘We need to move forward and I for one am thankful that the US national team is leading on with Greg Berhalter leading the way.’

B.J. Callaghan, the current interim manager of the team, will continue to coach the squad through the CONCACAF Gold Cup, US Soccer says. For Pulisic, a summer shrouded in uncertainty became moderately clearer with Berhalter’s appointment. 

It is ostensibly a move which Pulisic was in favor of, or at least did not dislike. Earlier this month, he was probed about a potential return of the ex-Columbus coach. 

‘I think [Berhalter] should be considered,’ Pulisic said June 5. ‘I think he did a great job with the team. He brought us a long way. I think a lot of people and a lot of guys in the team especially would agree with that.’ 

The pair both had positive performances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as the US reached R16

Under interim coach, B.J. Callaghan the USA stormed to a 3-0 win in the Nations League semi

What still remains clouded however, is Pulisic’s club future. There is no doubting his talent – as evidenced in his virtuoso performance which single-handedly downed El Tri in Nevada. 

Opportunities and consistency have been hard to come by in west London and an exit from Chelsea now beckons. Pulisic has been given the ‘green light’ to leave the club in the summer according to Fabrizio Romano, who named AC Milan as a possible suitor for him last week.

Captain America has also been linked with Newcastle, Manchester United and Juventus at various points, with the latter being named by ESPN last month as the favorites to nab him. 

The publication suggested it could take $25million for the club to strike a deal with Chelsea.

Conversely to Pulisic, Gio Reyna’s club future seems settled but his standing within the national team is – ostensibly, at least – opaque. 

Berhalter’s decision to keep Gio Reyna out of the starting lineup in Qatar was highly criticized

Berhalter, who faced criticism and humiliation at the hands of Reyna’s parents following the World Cup, sought to allay fears of any longstanding issues between player and coach amid the backdrop of his once-meddling parents.

Reyna’s mother, Danielle, disclosed to US Soccer that the coach and his now-wife Rosalind had been involved in a domestic violence incident while in college.

‘I’d certainly acknowledge that there’s work to do, and Gio is an important player to this team,’ Berhalter told reporters Friday.

‘He’s an extremely talented individual and I have the obligation and commitment to coach him like I coach every other player.’

I wanna get the best out of him – we wanna get the best out of him, and we know that if we can unlock his talents, he’s gonna be a game changer for this program.

‘So there’s work to do, and part of it is working together with [sporting director] Matt [Crocker], and trying to rebuild a relationship, that we know will be important moving forward.