Within the warmth of Austin, Texas, Mauricio Pochettino made a daring tactical name that left followers and pundits alike buzzing — Christian Pulisic was not within the beginning lineup for america’ pleasant towards Ecuador. The October worldwide window opened with a 1-1 draw on the Q2 Stadium, however the actual story unfolded off the pitch, the place questions in regards to the American captain’s health dominated the post-match dialogue.
This fixture towards Ecuador was no abnormal pleasant. For the U.S. Males’s Nationwide Staff, it was a take a look at of tactical maturity and squad depth underneath the brand new management of Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine coach opted for a extra dynamic formation, fielding Malik Tillman, Folarin Balogun, and Weston McKennie within the entrance line — a trio constructed for urgent and tempo moderately than possession.
The plan almost paid off early. Regardless of going behind to Enner Valencia’s medical end within the twenty fourth minute, the USMNT maintained depth and composure. Balogun’s second-half strike — assisted by Tillman — salvaged a 1–1 draw towards a tricky Ecuador facet that got here into the match unbeaten in 11 straight video games.
But, amid the optimistic indicators, followers couldn’t ignore the absence of Pulisic, who remained benched for many of the match. Was it a tactical choice, or one thing extra regarding?
What did Pochettino say about Pulisic?
Talking earlier than kickoff on TNT Sports activities, Mauricio Pochettino supplied a measured clarification for his captain’s absence — one which make clear a lingering challenge relationship again to the preseason. “Christian didn’t practice yesterday. He’s [been] struggling, from the pre-season, a small challenge in his ankle,” Pochettino revealed. “After coaching Wednesday, his ankle was somewhat bit swollen. It’s an vital sport, sure, however on the identical time, it’s vital to not take dangers.”
The seven-word clarification, which Pochettino subtly slipped into that assertion, clarified the actual motive for the omission. It wasn’t about kind or fatigue — it was a matter of defending Pulisic’s ankle forward of a vital stretch for each membership and nation. “The objective is to be prepared subsequent Tuesday [against Australia]”, he added.
That cautious optimism echoed the coach’s emphasis on long-term administration over short-term threat, notably for a participant whose affect stays important to each the U.S. setup and Milan.
Christian Pulisic is the primary star of the USMNT.
Persistent challenge
Pulisic’s ankle drawback isn’t new. As reported by ProSoccerWire, the American ahead has been managing a recurring ankle challenge for the reason that preseason, one which compelled him to overlook Milan’s last three summer time friendlies. Whereas he’s since recovered sufficient to ship six objectives and two assists in eight matches throughout Serie A and the Coppa Italia, the discomfort persists.
The 27-year-old even began from the bench in a couple of of Milan’s early-season fixtures — a precautionary transfer by Massimiliano Allegri to keep away from aggravation. For the U.S. nationwide group, Pochettino’s strategy adopted the identical logic. Given the packed schedule main as much as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it’s clear that managing Pulisic’s workload will likely be a key a part of Pochettino’s tenure.
