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TIM HOWARD: Fans are right to be angry about Christian Pulisic’s absence from USMNT… now Mauricio Pochettino needs to flex his muscles

There was a time when poor performances or results for the U.S. Men’s National Team could barely make a ripple outside the locker room. There was no major media fallout and no outrage among supporters. I remember it well: I was on the team.

Compare that to the reaction to Tuesday’s loss to Mexico: ‘F***ing disgraceful. Disaster. Embarrassing. Unacceptable’. Certainly, it was the US’s first setback under Mauricio Pochettino. But for me it’s a good sign. Critics are healthy. I’d rather see an avalanche of anger than no response at all.

American fans have come to terms with the Copa America debacle and Gregg Berhalter’s dismissal. No wonder they were hungry for a fresh start and a big performance. No wonder they felt abandoned when it didn’t come. Especially against Mexico. Especially when their star player was nowhere to be seen.

Christian Pulisic left the squad to rejoin AC Milan and limit his workload. Fans have every right to be frustrated at such a crucial moment.

Pulisic is our biggest player, our best player – and this was not a normal USMNT camp. It marked the start of Pochettino’s reign and the countdown to the 2026 World Cup.

Christian Pulisic returned to AC Milan ahead of the United States’ loss to rivals Mexico

Without his star player, Mauricio Pochettino suffered his first defeat as USMNT manager

Without his star player, Mauricio Pochettino suffered his first defeat as USMNT manager

DailyMail.com columnist Tim Howard

DailyMail.com columnist Tim Howard

Christian is a good leader of this group. No one can question his dedication to the USMNT and no one can deny the need to take care of his body.

But even if he doesn’t play, he should still be there – creating the culture and setting an example. I have been a senior player and a big personality in the dressing room. I demanded a lot of people and what did I find? The moments when you can show your gravity usually come off the field.

There were times when I got injured or was benched. I had about a hundred caps at the time, but I would carry the water. Or I would grab the uniforms from the dressing room floor while the players making their second or third appearance were in the shower.

They were small gestures that conveyed an important message: when we’re in deep trouble and I demand something from you, it’s nothing I wouldn’t do myself.

That’s what makes a good leader. Then you build trust and culture. Not by leaving the camp. But by supporting the team with words and actions.

The problem? Anyone who has played internationally knows that the battle between club and country is real. This is not a Pulisic problem or an AC Milan problem. Every great player and every great team has to deal with it. It’s a constant tug-of-war.

In his second match in charge, the US were defeated 2-0 by bitter rival Mexico in Guadalajara

In his second match in charge, the US were defeated 2-0 by bitter rivals Mexico in Guadalajara

Pochettino and his USMNT players faced a barrage of criticism after the defeat

Pochettino and his USMNT players faced a barrage of criticism after the defeat

But at some point Pochettino, Pulisic and the US have to flex their muscles and tell Milan: this is how it will end. We need Christian – to play or just to be around.

These are normal conversations that happen all the time between clubs and countries. It’s always a huge struggle. It’s a push-and-pull relationship that depends on building trust and earning credit with the bank.

In a perfect world, the technical director of a national team would be in very close contact with clubs around the world. It’s not just about making demands. It’s about working together, bringing them over and showing your setup.

You don’t want clubs to blindly figure out who is best to email. You have to build bridges and good grace. Only then will teams allow players to be seen by international doctors. Only then can you get your way when it counts.

The coach failed to hide his disappointment after being left without his star player

The coach failed to hide his disappointment after being left without his star player

As Pochettino said last week: ‘(We have to) build a very good relationship with the club and try to help. And if we really need him, he has to be in shape, happy and strong.’

The manager could not hide his disappointment after traveling to Guadalajara without several key players, including Pulisic. “We came up a bit short here,” Pochettino said.

It was far from ideal, considering he has so few games left before the 2026 World Cup. And since it happened against Mexico.

Many fans do not want to see experiments or rotation against our rivals. Normally I’m one of them: this is a game to win. But at some point Pochettino has to look at other players.

So let’s not panic. Fans should still be optimistic. Pochettino is a brilliant manager who works with a good group. But one that cannot afford for its best player to be halfway around the world.