#you see that Berhalter???

[trennoandgreggo]

I am so happy for him after all this shit what happened

[pulisicz]

Will you write something for Christian again?!!!?! I’m so sad he’s injured I miss him :’( I don’t have a specific idea but if you need one I’ll come up with something!! 💓🌟😚

one thing - christian pulisic

cause you’ve got that one thing

summary - christian and you were merely aquanauts. you had met a couple of times, but never properly. although the two of you had said no more than 10 words to each other, he still managed to catch feelings for you

pairing - christian pulisic x fem!reader

song inspo - one thing (one direction)

warnings! - none, pure fluff

word count - 1.9k

note - thank you so much for your request! and i miss christian too! i hope he is able to heal soon.

-

“coach berhalter, how many more water bottle do you need filled?”.

you had been working as a managers assistant for the us men’s national team, and apart from being away from your family, you enjoyed it a lot.

you had been a manager for your colleges basketball team which gave you some experience, but getting to be an assistant for the us men’s national team was something you never expected. you weren’t even studying anything in the sports field, in fact, your major was english.

“give me 20. i want them to last a good 30 minutes. thank you”.

you grabbed the wagon of the empty water bottles and started bringing them to the us locker room area. there was a room next to the actual locker room that had supplies, and the water station. you had started filling up the water bottles when you heard someone behind you.

“excuse me, hey, sorry, coach told me to bring you these 5 bottles to fill up”.

you turn around to see christian pulisic holding 5 water bottles, standing there, just a little awkwardly.

“oh, thank you! tell him i’ll be right out!”

christian gave you the bottles and ran back to the field. you finished filling the bottles up and hurried back to the field.

-

“hey coach, she said she’ll be right out”.

coach berhalter nodded and christian got back to practicing. they team had a good 3 hours of practice, which was good considering this world cup was a big one, and the boys were ready to bring their all. it was england v usa, and tensions were high. they couldn’t loose this.

y/n brought the waters out and like clockwork, all the boys ran to grab a bottle. after everyone had gotten their bottles, y/n made her way to the bench and sat down. she always had to stay relatively close incase coach, or any of the players needed something.

-

practice has come to an end and the boys went to their locker room to pack up and have a short team meeting. while they were in there, you cleaned up a bit on the bench, and the field, making sure everything was put away and organized.

the boys piled out of the locker room as you were finishing cleaning up. you could hear their loud laughing and music. “we’ll see you tomorrow, y/n” coach yelled.

“see you tomorrow coach!” you yelled back, still cleaning. it was just you on the practice field now. all alone. it was kind of nice though. all quiet.

“hey” you heard a voice from behind you.

“i asked coach if i could practice by myself a bit”.

it was christian pulisic. of course. you had nothing bad to say about christian, he was a nice person from what you could tell, and a great player. you just found it a little ironic that this is your second run in with him in one day.

“okay cool. do you need help setting things up again?”

“yeah that would actually be great if you don’t mind. sorry i’m asking this, i know you just put everything away”.

you could tell christian felt awkward about asking you to take everything back out again. you really didn’t mind though. you knew that these guys would train for 24 hours straight if it meant winning the world cup. it meant everything to them, so helping christian set things back up again was no problem at all.

the two of you started setting up cones and hurdles, placing them into straight and zig zag lines, making sure they were lined up correctly. you got a couple bosu balls out and practice dummies.

christian was practicing independently for a good 30-45 minutes. you sat in your usual seat near the bench and read a book, until christian came over to you.

“i have another favor to ask. can you be my goalie?”

you were taken at back, especially because you had never done anything goalie related before, and you certainly didn’t want to get hit hard.

“i promise i won’t hit you, at least not on purpose”.

you nodded your head and got up to go be goalie. how fun. being a practice goalie was never in the job description, but you have to go off book sometimes.

you spent the next hour practicing with christian. the two of you had done free kick, you obviously being the goalie, 1v1’s, passing drills, and then doing the cross bar challenge. you and christian had a lot of fun, although, you didn’t know if christian got anything out of this. regardless of the practice being helpful or not, the two of you had fun, and you got to know one another better.

“so you majored in english, you went to NYU, you work as an aspiring author, with the day job of working at a cafe? that’s honestly living the life of you ask me”.

“says the one who’s a famous soccer player, living in england, best friends with other famous soccer players, being in the usa men’s national team, and being rich”.

the two of you have a laugh while you get water and cool off. you both start picking up the cones, hurdles, and other random things on the field, putting them into various bags and bins.

“you know, you’re a pretty good player. did you used to play or something?”

“i played all throughout my childhood and into high school. i stopped freshman year of college”.

“oh that’s sick. what position?”

sick? that’s sick? you took a second to process that christian pulisic said you playing in high school was sick, as if that’s not what thousands of kids do in high school.

“center mid”

“i could’ve guessed. your footwork is really good!”

getting complimented by the christian pulisic would be your personality trait for the next, forever.

“this is kind of random, but would you want to go out to dinner tonight. the guys were planning on ordering in, and i’m up for more, you know? plus i think you’re really cool, and i wanna get to know you more”.

holy shit.

christian pulisic just asked you out, in probably the chillest, and most casual way possible. it took your brain to process what just happened. you obviously want to go out with him. who wouldn’t?

“i would love to!”

“okay cool. there is this place near our hotel that looked pretty cool. we could go at like 7:30? would that work?”

so this is for real. you are going on a date with christian pulisic before one of the biggest days of his life. he could be spending tonight with his teammates, but he wants to go out with you instead… unreal.

“that’s sounds great”.

—

christian was running late. he was never early, but definitely never late. he wanted to make sure he was down in the hotel lobby before y/n.

christian was getting more nervous by the second, which was rare for him. nervous christian was not a common sight. he only really got nervous before games, but for everything else, he was also calm about.

christian had wanted to ask y/n out for months, but since they had never really talked, it seemed weird to ask. ever since they first met all the way in august, he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her. he didn’t know what drew him to her, all he knew was that she had something in her that he wanted. there was just that sparkle in her eye that he feel in love with.

at 7:25 y/n came down the stairs of the hotel to get to the lobby and christian was mesmerized. she wasn’t wearing anything too fancy, just a simple black slip dress. but there was something about her presence that out christian in a trance. when she finally got to the last step christian walked over to greet her.

“you look amazing! i mean, you are so gorgeous”.

y/n couldn’t hold back her blushing. she couldn’t believe this was real. the whole situation was spontaneous and a little funny, but nonetheless, she was over the moon.

“you don’t look too bad yourself”.

christian was wearing a simple black suit with a white button up underneath. the restaurant they were going to was definitely a fancy one, but not so much so, where they felt underdressed. when the two walked in, they were greeted with an amazing smell of food. it was warm inside, and had an amazing atmosphere.

-

the hostess seated you two in a booth, and to your surprise, christian took a seat next to you rather than across from you, which made you blush once again.

you had ordered your food and the two of you talked about your lives, simply enjoying each others company. at not point was dinner awkward. you both always found a topic to talk about or a joke to tell.

“so why did you want to ask me out?” you blurt out. the question had been on your mind since you left the field earlier in the day.

christian took a minute to gather his thoughts before he spoke.

“i noticed you a while ago. there was just something about you that i was so interested in, but i couldn’t figure it out. i’ve been thinking about you a lot, and after today, i realized that i do legitimately like you. not to say i didn’t like you before, but today i saw a new side of you. a non-working side of you. you’re funny and nice, and you are definitely a good soccer player”.

you turn to look at the table, trying to hide your dorky grin and blushed cheeks. you didn’t expect to hear christian say he’s liked you for a while. you always thought you went unnoticed on the team.

you didn’t know how to respond to him, not wanting to make things awkward. but as if christian had read your mind, he cupped your face with one hand and pulled you closer.

“you have no idea how long i’ve waited for this”.

and with that, he locks your lips together. the second you kiss him back, christian deepens the kiss. your hand makes its way around his neck as the two of you sit in the booth.

christian was the one to break the kiss, both of you grasping for air. the two of you couldn’t hold in your giggles. your foreheads are pressed together to block your laughing faces from others seated nearby.

you get the check from your waiter, and after paying you two decide to walk around before going back to the hotel.

you’re arms were linked with one another as you two talked. before you knew it, you were back at the hotel.

you gave christian a peck on the lips before walking towards the steps.

“y/n! same time and place tomorrow?” christian calls out. you give him a nod, which earns a shy smile from him.

“it’s a date”.

[little-red-devil]

Berhalter taking off puli when he had the closest chance for the US??? Gregg I will see you in hell!!!

[kickthepitch]

Is Benjamin Cremaschi going to play for the US soccer team?

With Messi coming to play for MLS in Miami, many Americans have taken this time to become soccer fans. It is nice to finally see some appreciation for the sport, but moments like this are where we need to see some realistic viewpoints. I have only watched a couple of Inter Miami games, and they are all great, but the skill difference is apparent with players who play in Europe and MLS. I see no problem with Cremaschi playing for the US soccer team…. but it could be too early for him in his career.

The primary debate I am seeing is how Gio Reyna has yet to be called up for the upcoming friendlies, but Benjamin Cremaschi has. It is fair to be upset about it. Despite the tension between Berhalter and Reyna, the ladder is exceptionally talented and is at a higher position in his career than Cremaschi. This isn't to say that Cremaschi will never be better, but is he overall a good player, or is he suitable for the standards people hold in MLS soccer?

This point is not slandering Cremaschi; it has been a recurring thought since the roster was dropped. With the hype of Messi and other players coming to MLS, public opinions on soccer are more tailored to "where is the hype" rather than who is skillfully better.

I am excited to see how the friendlies play out, and can't wait to be back at writing after some time away.

Let me know what you all think in the comments

Pic creds: US Men's soccer team Instagram

[notsoattractivearenti]

chelsea really fucked christian up and reporters keep on bringing up berhalter v reynas drama and it hurts seeing him that sad.

usmnt i’m counting on you guys. your captain definitely needs a win 🥺

[jessethegoat]

I recently followed you, so just wanted to say hi

Who are your other favourite managers I'm intrigued??

It's a niche market manager appreciation 😂

Hi hi hiii!!! It's nice to get a lovely ask after getting so many pelts because I love this man a bit too much 😅 IKR! I think we need more manager appreciation blogs here.

I have many other favourite managers as well and I'm afraid it'll be too long if I named them all (because if a manager are unhinged and have a degree of craziness in their tactics, then they got me fell head over heels).

So here are my top 5 managers (other than Jesse ofc):

1. Will Still, Stade de Reims. He's real life Nate in Ted Lasso in my mind. Still very young and just got his Pro License as well, but he's able to upset other team and even hold PSG in both home and away matches.

2. Jurgen Klopp. I'm a bit biased here because I'm a Liverpool fan first and foremost (and always will be).

3. Luciano Spalletti. His work at Napoli is nothing but a miracle. An Italy team with such exciting football? Sign me up all day!

4. Arne Slott, Feyenoord. I've been following his team for a while now (2 years) and it only took them Erik Ten Hag away to finally be the powerhouse again. Although, to see his team and Erik's facing each other always a delight that I missed sorely.

5. Gregg Berhalter..KIDDING. Jim Curtin, Philadelphia Union. Jesse's arch nemesis (who happens to be his old mate). The only guy who always win psychological warfare against Jesse. It was so bad that Jesse got a meltdown once and this guy was laughing..it was too funny 🤣 also his team is really pleasing to watch last season. This season they off to a bad start, but I'm sure they'll pick up their form again.

And shout out to Eddie Howe, Bradley Carnell, Thomas Frank, Patrick Vieira, Unai Emery, Jose Mourinho, Arteta, Pep, Ancelotti and Hansi Flick!

Also Bob Bradley~

[cookie4liran]

I'm so pissed off by all the nonsense right now, mfs who haven't watched a single match that gio played before WC are making things up to creat a shitty image of him.

First of all, I don't believe anything that comes out of berhalter's mouth, he said himself during the group stage that gio couldn't play because of injury, the decision was made to protect him, yet after the knockout stage failure, telling the media such nasty stories, training problem, locker room problem, trying to book gio a flight home and the damn vote, nothing is related to professionalism, even IF gio does have attitude problems (which I strongly doubt), it's still completely wrong to handle things this way, not to mention his history of lying and the fact that he has had problems with multiple players before, such as Brooks and Mckennie, I just can't simply trust berhalter's words.

Secondly, I know there are lots of people who know the name Gio Reyna only because of his father and haven't actually seen Gio play or seen what he is capable of on the pitch, so when something like this happens, people are supposed to believe the coach's story and automatically think Gio as some kind of spoiled rich kid who is relying on his dad's fame to get his place in the national team. No, he is none of these, yes he has his pride, and that's what he has earned for himself over the years, it's common that you haven't seen the videos of him playing in NY when he was 14/15 yo or his HAT TRICK of assists at 17yo (that made him the youngest player in bundesliga to achieve it btw), but you must have seen his glorious run playing against Mexico in the WC qualifiers right? People have to understand that, this kid, this young man is destined to achieve something that no one else can. Yes he is injured earlier this year and didn't get enough minutes at the club, but when he's fit, he starts, and he scores, because we have faith in him and he has never disappoint us.

Now let's get to the emotional part, I know it sounds cliche, but his heart is pure gold, if you've ever noticed he has a little tattoo, on his left arm, says love Jack, I believe you'd agree with me. Jack was his big brother and everything to him, he didn't play for his famous dad, he played and he is still playing this sport for Jack, because of Jack, he's humble, he's polite, he's caring, he's sweet, he always smiles and he treats people with kindness. Yes, that doesn't mean he's so perfect that won't do anything wrong, what I'm saying is, if he does something wrong, he will correct the mistake, he won't make a mess about it. He's a good kid who has just returned from injury, there's no reason for him not to cherish the opportunity to start in the WC, but to be lazy in training, I see no logic in this mess. He wants to show his talent, wants the country to be proud of him, wants his family to be proud of him, wants Jack to be proud of him, more than anyone else.

That's all, my only wish is that people will stop seeing him through the media, but through the game, through what he does on the field, through how his performance can make a difference, even just a few minutes like that one against England. And that's the real Gio Reyna.

He's not a big name right now, but he will. Maybe Berhalter has told some lies, but there is one thing he said I firmly believe, that he can see the shadow of Maradona in Gio.

Let him shine.

[leonsliga]

What are your thoughts on the Gio Reyna/berhalter drama?

Coming at me with the hard-hitting questions, anon! I love it 👏😂 I wish I had a clear-cut answer for you, but the truth is, the first thing that comes to my finals-addled mind is that this entire situation is such a shitshow. At a time when we needed more unity than ever within the USMNT, we get this lmao. Just looking at what we know so far, there’s a lot to unpack, isn’t there? I mean, on one hand, we finally know why Reyna didn’t get much playing time. My personal opinion though? Gregg shouldn’t have let slip at a press conference that Gio’s (I know he didn’t mention him by name, but he might as well have) showings at training weren’t up to his standards, even off the record. You never know if what you say will find a way out of that room. Leaks can be found anywhere.

Ultimately, the irony of the whole situation is immense. It seems Gregg contradicted his own philosophy and didn’t keep things “in house” at all. Personally, I’m far from a fan of Gregggggg and his so-called “tactics”, so I’m trying really hard not to let my bias show here, especially given that the information we know is limited. But boyyy is it hard, especially considering the only information we have so far (to my knowledge) is the press conference leaks and Gio’s personal statement. Tbh, I understand Gio’s anger at being told he would play in a “very limited” role. Why wouldn’t he be pissed? I’m genuinely not sure what Gregggggg was thinking there. Reyna’s one of our best young, creative playmakers without a doubt.

That said, I think Gio’s statement was well-crafted and he handled the situation well; he took responsibility for his own actions. He owned the fact that his effort waned. If he is to be believed, he even apologized for this very thing already (not to just to Gregg, but to his teammates)! As far as I’m concerned, that apology should’ve been sufficient and the subject should’ve been resolved privately between him and Gregg. Clearly that’s not what happened. Keep in mind though, we have yet to hear Gregg’s response, so I’ll be curious to see what develops once we hear from him. One thing’s for sure: this isn’t gonna blow over anytime soon. Buckle your seatbelts, folks!

This is Jude’s response to Gio’s statement, because I figured this ask needed some more upbeat energy 😂💜

[idontdoifbutsormaybes]

USA vs Iran thoughts/takeaways:

- a little worried about Pulisic’s injury but i think he’ll be good for Saturday or at least i hope

- That goal was honestly beautiful other than CP colliding with the keeper but like the ball from Wes 🤩

- First half: we looked good, we honestly could’ve been up by more at the half but it’s okay

- Second half: holy fucking shit i am convinced all tactics fly right out of Berhalter’s brain at HT lord have mercy

- Berhalter needs to stop being a bitch and play Gio - he’s one of our best forwards and there’s no reason he should be on the bench

- this midfield still gives me life and makes me happy i love those three guys so much

- CCV played so well for being thrown into, kind of randomly, the biggest stage in the world

- People need to start putting some RESPECT on Tim Ream’s name - in this group stage we went undefeated and the goal that we conceded was not on him, he’s been class in this tournament so far

- I love Tim Weah but i need him to be better on finishing his chances - he could probably have 3 or 4 goals this tournament already

- I mean I could’ve told you this before the tournament but Matt Turner is 100% the right choice in goal

okay i think that’s enough for now but genuinely so proud of these boys now matter what - see y’all saturday 😌

[fifaworldcup2026tickets]

USA at FIFA World Cup: USA Football Squad Embracing the Challenge on Home Soil

USA FIFA World Cup: The United States national team is gearing up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a compelling blend of anticipation and resolve. As they prepare to host the prestigious tournament on home soil, the team led by stars like Christian Pulisic sees this as a defining moment in their footballing journey.

At E-ticketing.co, we offer fans exclusive access to FIFA World Cup tickets, including USA FIFA World Cup Tickets, through our trusted online marketplace. As the most reliable source for booking Football World Cup 2026 tickets, we invite you to sign up for alerts to stay updated on the latest ticket availability.

FIFA World Cup Tickets | Football World Cup Tickets

For the USA, the World Cup represents more than just a sporting event; it's a chance to showcase their growth and potential on a global stage. With a squad brimming with talent and ambition, they are poised to make a significant impact in front of their passionate supporters.

Christian Pulisic, in particular, embodies the team's aspirations. The Chelsea winger, known for his dynamic play and leadership on the field, embraces the opportunity to lead his nation in a tournament of such magnitude. Competing in familiar surroundings adds an extra layer of motivation for Pulisic and his teammates.

Beyond individual talent, the USA's strength lies in its collective spirit and tactical versatility. Under the guidance of their experienced coaching staff, they have honed their skills and tactical acumen to meet the challenges posed by elite international competition.

As the countdown to kickoff continues, expectations are high but so is the determination within the squad. The USA's journey to the World Cup 2026 is not just about competing; it's about seizing the moment, defying expectations, and leaving a lasting mark on the global footballing landscape.

FIFA World Cup Tickets: USA's Path to World Cup Glory Preparation and Challenges

As the USA gears up for their opening match against Bolivia in Arlington, Texas, under the watchful eye of coach Gregg Berhalter, meticulous preparation has been the cornerstone of their strategy. Maintaining continuity with much of their core squad from the 2022 World Cup, the team faces a daunting group-stage campaign against Panama and Uruguay, aiming squarely for a spot in the knockout rounds.

We offer enthusiasts FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets, including the highly anticipated Germany World Cup Tickets, through our trusted online platform, e-ticketing.co. Rely on us as your most reliable source for securing Football World Cup tickets.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets | Football World Cup 2026 Tickets

However, the absence of key figures like the injured Sergino Dest necessitates tactical adjustments, placing added emphasis on the performances of established leaders like Christian Pulisic and rising talents such as Joe Scally. Pulisic's experience and dynamic play are set to be pivotal, providing a crucial edge in the team's pursuit of success on home soil.

Under Berhalter's guidance, the team has focused on refining their tactics and bolstering their cohesion, mindful of the challenges posed by their group-stage opponents. The blend of seasoned veterans and promising youngsters underscores. The team's depth and ambition, poised to make a statement on the world stage.

As the countdown to kickoff progresses, anticipation is matched by determination within the squad. The USA's journey in the World Cup 2026 isn't just about competing. It's about seizing the opportunity to shine and inspire a nation of football enthusiasts. The USA enters the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a potent mix of home advantage. Star power in Christian Pulisic, and a collective hunger to prove themselves among the world's best.

USA Key Players and Tactical Focus Stars Leading the Charge

Christian Pulisic, coming off an impressive season with AC Milan, stands at the forefront of the American offensive strategy. His knack for scoring pivotal goals and shaping game outcomes will be instrumental. Alongside him, team captain Tyler Adams faces the challenge of regaining match fitness following a turbulent spell of injuries.

Football fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting the FIFA World Cup 2026. To experience the excitement firsthand, fans can secure their FIFA World Cup tickets via our online platform, eticketing.co. Don't miss your chance to be part of one of football's most thrilling tournaments.

FIFA World Cup Final Tickets | Football World cup Tickets

Defensively, Chris Richards and Tim Ream are poised to anchor the backline, providing stability and resilience in thwarting opposition attacks. The performance of goalkeeper Matt Turner comes under scrutiny, with expectations high for him. To showcase his shot-stopping abilities and command of the penalty area.

Coach Gregg Berhalter's tactical acumen will be pivotal in maximising the strengths of these key players while addressing any vulnerabilities. Pulisic's ability to create scoring opportunities and Adams' midfield tenacity are set to shape the team's dynamic on-field approach.

As the USA navigates through the challenges of the World Cup 2026 campaign. The collective contributions of these key figures will play a decisive role in the team's pursuit of success. Their individual skills and collective cohesion will be pivotal in achieving the team's ambitions on the global stage.

Football enthusiasts around the globe are eagerly awaiting FIFA World Cup tickets. To experience the excitement firsthand, secure your FIFA World Cup Final Tickets through our online platform, eticketing.co. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of one of football's most thrilling tournaments.

Expectations and Beyond Building Towards Future Success

Coach Gregg Berhalter's return signals a renewed focus and determination within. The USA national team is preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026. With aspirations for a significant advancement in the tournament. The team's resolve is palpable, driven by the desire to surpass previous achievements.

FIFA 2026 Tickets | FIFA World Cup Final Tickets

Beyond the immediate quest for results, the World Cup serves as a pivotal platform for the USA to solidify their position in international football. Each match presents an opportunity to showcase their progress. And potential, setting the stage for future competitions and reinforcing their standing on the global footballing landscape.

Under Berhalter's guidance, the team has honed its tactical approach. And fostered a cohesive team spirit, essential in navigating the challenges ahead. The tournament represents more than just a series of matches. It's a strategic investment in the team's long-term development and success.

As they embark on this journey, the USA aims to excel on home soil and establish. A foundation for sustained success in future international tournaments. The collective ambition and commitment of players, coaching staff, and supporters underscore. Their determination to leave a lasting impact on the world stage.

With a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents. The USA is poise to make waves in the World Cup 2026 and beyond. Their journey is not just about this tournament; it's about shaping. A brighter future for American football, inspiring generations to come with their passion, skill.

For fans eager to attend FIFA 2026 matches, a wide selection of FIFA World Cup tickets awaits at Eticketing.co. Our platform collaborates exclusively with the most reputable sellers. On the secondary market, ensuring access to top-quality ticket listings across the web. Explore our Football World Cup selection to discover the most affordable deals available today!

[blkwag]

wait what makes you say gio and chris aren’t beefing ? did something happen?

i think after christian said that the reyna berhalter thing was childish in that interview before intl break people starting saying that like it would mess up his friendship/teammate-ship with gio. and i didn't even think anything of it because it was obvious that christian wasn't calling gio himself childish, it was more the situation which heavily involved his parents. and during this camp i didn't hear or see anything negative or tense throughout it regarding the two and yesterday they had like a moment during the game where they liked fist bumped or whatever and people on twitter were like "omg what i like to see 🥹" or "seems like they worked things out" like i literally don't think there was anything tense or any beef between them at all people just wanted to start drama for no reason

[little-red-devil]

bestie can you explain the gio situation everything i know is second hand

bestie I hope you're comfortable, because this is a NOVEL!! 😓

Okay sooo, this all started before the World Cup when Gregg Berhalter told Gio Reyna he was on the squad, but would have a "limited role" (he was just coming back from a hamstring injury so I kind of get it) and will probably not play much. Now Gio didn't like that and according to both him and Berhalter he didn't have the best attitude and lacked effort in training before/during the WC, which lead to some difficulties in camp, and they even considered sending him home!!!! They [Gio, Berhalter, other coaches] had a conversation about his behavior, and he apologized to them and also the whole team. He was forgiven and there were no other issues beyond that (this convo happened after the Wales game, but before England). Gio also said on instagram that he was told this situation would remain "in house" and that the public wouldn't know about it. This is the same precedent set by Berhalter when he didn't comment specifically as to why McKennie was sent home during World Cup Qualifying last fall.

"But if the public was never meant to know about it, then why do we know about it?" I'm SOO glad you asked 🙃 You see, literally DAYS after the US was eliminated from the WC, Berhalter spoke at a leadership summit and told this story. Now to his credit he never called out Gio Reyna by name, but there were already rumors swirling that they had issues during the tournament so it wasn't hard to put 2-and-2 together. ALSO while Gregg never said Gio's name, SOMEONE DID AND THEY TOLD THE WHOLE THING TO THE ATHLETIC and it bothers me so much that nobody talks about that 😡 Anyways, USMNT Twitter went into a frenzy, but after Gio's statement things calmed down for a while.

[TW for talks about DV]

UNTIL Berhalter releases a statement saying that someone was trying to BLACKMAIL him out of the head coach job (his contract ran out after the WC, but there was a chance it could be extended). He admits that when they were both in college he and his then girlfriend (now wife) had been drinking, they had an argument, and he kicked her in the legs. Now I think we can all agree that domestic violence of any kind is wrong regardless of how long ago it was, and that is not up for debate.

It was revealed in early January that the person who brought these allegations against Gregg was actually Danielle Reyna, Gio's mom, who was Rosalind Berhalter's roommate/teammate at UNC when the incident happened. She brought it up in an hour-ish long phone call with Earnie Stewart (who was the US Soccer Sporting Director at the time) because she was upset the her son was being dragged on the internet, said something like "if Gregg can be forgiven for that, then Gio can be forgiven for his behavior at the WC." After the news broke, she made a statement saying the call wasn't malicious in any way, that she and Claudio were talking on the phone with Earnie as a friend, and didn't think about the fact that he would have to report this.

Anyways, an investigation was held by US Soccer, and the full report (which is like 40 PAGES LONG btw😓😓) of it was just released yesterday. They concluded that it was a one-off incident and that Berhalter was still in the running to the the USMNT head coach. It also revealed that the Reynas, mainly Claudio, had been reaching out to US Soccer since 2016 with complaints/concerns about how Gio was treated (playing time, referee decisions, etc). As far as I could tell there was no evidence suggesting that their grievances were actually accommodated by US Soccer, so really they were just complaining to complain.

I saw a few unsavory quotes from the Reyna's circulating around Twitter, but being mean/shady people isn't necessarily a crime in my eyes. In my PERSONAL OPINION, it's unfair that Gio's character is being called into question because his parents have said/done some shady things, and I'm not going to hold him responsible for THEIR actions. In regards to Berhalter, I can understand his frustration with the Reyna's and it sucks that their friendship (which has lasted for literal DECADES) seems to have come to and end like this. However, I still don't want him as the head coach, but that's because I don't like his playing style/favoritism when he calls in certain players lol. As for the Reyna's, I think they need to stop talking and just let their son's talent speak for itself. ALSO this would have never happened if US Soccer wasn't such an old boy's club where they hire old US players who aren't qualified for the job, but that's a whole other issue LMAO 😂😂

Sorry this was long and kind of all over the place lol I clearly have a lot of thoughts about this. Anyways, this was the gist of it, hope it helps 😊

[underneath-all-currents]

Re: Twitter (again)

I've been off of Twitter for like eight months now and it's very interesting now to see people complain about what's wrong with it. This sprung up primarily because of the controversy surrounding Giovanni Reyna's whole deal at the World Cup, or, really, it sprung up because of the discussion surrounding it, or, really, it sprung up because of the discussion referencing the discussion surrounding it, which I suppose makes this four rungs down the ladder of discussion regarding the actual event, which I found to be not all that controversial all things considered.

It seems like a young, talented, injury-prone player who plays behind a slightly better player was upset that he didn't get the playing time he wanted, pouted about it, was mentored by team leadership, and grew and learned because of it. It did not necessarily shock me that he acted that way given his tendency to act that way during games -- Really he reminds me of Clint Mathis to some extent, tremendous young talent whose emotions can get the best of him -- and I thought the end result of the whole deal, the story of him apologizing to the group and everything, really reflects pretty well on him at the end of it all.

Now, the manner in which it got out is a problem. I know that it was basically out via the Allocation Disorder guys by the time that Berhalter went and talked about it pseudo-anonymously and pseuo-off the record, but the manager can't go do that. I've wanted to see the USMNT move on from Berhalter in 2023 ever since qualifying, primarily because I feel like the team's starting to outgrow the system that worked so well in Nations League/Gold Cup/Qualifying. I feel like that club-style top-down tactical approach helps elevate a young, inexperienced team like we've had, but going into 2026 with guys who are developing into world-class performers, the system should fit the personnel now. That being said, I wouldn't have been that upset if he'd stuck around before this news, now I don't know how he's supposed to maintain trust with players anymore. At this stage, yes, I'd like someone new managing the USMNT. I can't do anything about it, of course, but I guess that's where I stand if you're wondering.

I kept seeing this sentiment, primarily on Reddit, along the lines of 'USMNT Twitter is, of course, losing its shit about this, acting as toxic as ever.' Which I believe would fall into discussion about the discussion about the incident (and, in a way, that's moreso about Gregg's airing of the proverbial laundry, which we could call discussion, so it's really Reddit discussion about the Twitter discussion about the Berhalter discussion of the Reyna incident. I'm about to go into Underneath-All-Currents discussion of the Reddit discussion about the Twitter discussion about the Berhalter discussion of the Reyna incident, putting me at the fourth stage of metadiscourse, which I would argue is the most important stage).

Moreso my point here is that I don't feel sorry for anybody who saw something flighty and reactive on Twitter anymore. Like you looked at Twitter in December 2022 about a topic. What did you think you were going to get there? That's what's left there. That's what the site's all about, it's been that way for a very long time, got worse as people retreated into online pseudo-realities in 2020, has only worsened further when the ownership change this year pushed more people to find it not worth bothering with anymore, and will only continue to get worse as its current ownership continues to work to build the site that it wants. You know what's there now. Getting mad at Toxic USMNT Twitter Users is like putting a cigarette in your mouth, lighting it, inhaling, and then getting upset that there's smoke in your lungs. It is like going onto AO3 and getting upset at the lack of original narratives. You know what's there!

I realize that I am complaining about Reddit users being annoying, which is a bit like the cigarette and the AO3 thing in the prior paragraph. I do not expect you to feel sorry for me for that, do not feel sorry for me for that.

I think that's really it, people phrase it as if they logged on to Twitter and expected something else and were blindsided by the most impotently furious people snarking at one another cyclically and endlessly, but like that's on you for expecting anything different. There is no gold here

[blockchainnftgaming]

quarterfinal teams; Berhalter, USA, new deal?

quarterfinal teams; Berhalter, USA, new deal?

Just because the World Cup is on hiatus doesn’t mean we are! There were no games in the two days leading up to the quarter-finals, so there’s plenty to see before the last eight teams still competing kick off the business end of the tournament on Friday. Be sure to check ESPN throughout the tournament as we bring you the latest from Qatar. Here’s what you may have missed from Wednesday’s World…

[jessethegoat]

Jesse's first article of WC 2022

it's really interesting to read, so I put it below (Athletic does have awesome articles about football and do subscribe if you can ❤️). Also his thought about Pulisic is very interesting.

I had the perfect seat. Upper deck, front row.

All around me at the sold-out Meadowlands there were people in soccer jerseys. They were singing songs and chanting. I felt like I was in Europe. I was a college student at Princeton University in 1994 when the World Cup came to the U.S. and I remember going to the hotel to pick up my tickets for the semi-final from a Princeton alum, Charlie Stillitano. The whole Italian team was sitting in the lobby drinking espressos, of course. Maldini. Costacurta. Albertini. Baggio.

These guys were my heroes. My coach at Princeton, Bob Bradley, had basically modelled us to play like AC Milan. I knew those Italian players inside and out. And then to be in the stadium watching them play against Hristo Stoitchkov and Bulgaria, to see the fanfare. It was eye-opening for me. It was exciting, the possibility of having that kind of soccer culture back home. We absolutely needed that 1994 World Cup in our country to give our sport a chance. The fact so many people were so excited about it gave us the idea that a league could be successful. It made us dream — even if I never could’ve imagined I’d be team-mates with Stoitchkov just a few years later.

This U.S. men’s national team gives me that same feeling. Inside the business of professional soccer in the U.S., the World Cup has always been a litmus test of where we are in our development of the sport in our country. Outside of the business, for the fans and the public, it’s more about the momentum and overall outlook of the sport. It’s about the potential of where we can go.

When you’re there at the World Cup, you can miss some of that big picture. I remember when Landon Donovan scored that goal against Algeria in South Africa in 2010. In the locker room, we were pumped. I remember the power and excitement of winning the group. Of mentally getting ready for the next match. But the movement back home that it created? We didn’t anticipate that. And then we saw the videos coming out of all of these celebrations in the bars back home.

That’s what the World Cup is about.

And this U.S. team has a chance to be inspiring again. That’s the best thing that can happen for our sport. How the team plays, the tactics, the performance? That’s the litmus test. But we need that momentum. We need a team that’s inspiring.

Certainly one of the talking points around the U.S. team in Qatar is that only one player on the squad (DeAndre Yedlin) has been to the World Cup. It’s a young group that doesn’t know anything about the tournament — what the rhythm is like, the pressure. They’ve played in the youth tournaments, but now they’re on the big stage. I’ve seen some of the quotes from some of the guys this week saying it hasn’t really even sunk in yet that they’re at the World Cup because I think for all of them it’s been a dream.

I know inexperience will be a factor, but I give big credit to U.S. Soccer and to Gregg Berhalter because it would have been easy to keep veteran guys such as Michael Bradley, Brad Guzan and others, players that were and are still very good players, and feel the security of: “They’ve been there. They know what it takes. They’re going to help lead us into the new phase with these young players.” But Gregg and the federation committed entirely to young players and now when you look at it, of course achieving qualification was a must given the fact we missed out in 2018, but if this group can do well in this tournament, you can use it as a springboard for 2026. It was really well done and really well thought-out and it gives us a chance to be better in 2026.

And youth doesn’t have to be a detriment.

One thing for sure is that over the years fearlessness has been the American identity. I think of the 2002 team that went to the quarter-finals; that was a big part of it. They played with total reckless abandonment and belief. That was certainly part of it for us in 2010, when you think about how we fought and battled back in games against England and Slovenia. And of course that late goal against Algeria. There is this identity of fearlessness and belief in U.S. teams, and soon we will see that in this group. They’re too young to be afraid. Too young to know any better.

And then we will see if it can be matched with clarity — in terms of roles, tactics and intensity. That’s the recipe for success in all the games, and certainly against England.

Planning out how to play in a World Cup is not easy. If I’m the manager, I’m asking myself, “All right, based on the opponent and what the games are going to require, what is necessary in the team?” We did this a lot in 2010. We looked at each game, knowing that we were going to have to have some rotation and use our entire squad the right way. We tried to predict what each game was going to look like and then which players would fit the idea of what the game was, what our match plan was going to be and what the match-ups were going to be on the day.

We would have four-hour conversations about two positions. We’d debate options for scenarios: if the game is tight, if we need a goal, if we make formation changes.

Obviously, there are players who are going to play in every game. Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams fit that category. But then you start to analyze things like: is Tim Ream the right guy for a counter-attacking team like Wales? Or is he a little bit better against England, where he knows the team, he knows all of those players and can sit a little bit deeper? He’s clever in the box defending, and then with the ball, he can make good decisions.

In 2010, in four games we wound up using everyone other than Jonathan Spector — 19 of 20 field players. And I think that’s one of the keys: figuring out how to use the arsenal of players you have. I hate talking about football and tactics like it’s a chess match, but sometimes you’re trying to analyze game by game by game. What do you expect each opponent to look like? And who are the best players to use to maximize your potential in that match?

It’s why Ream is a good match for Aaron Long on the roster. Facing Tim in the Premier League, you see he has really developed an intelligence on the pitch, a savviness and an understanding of games. Tim is incredibly good with the ball, but it’s not just that his technical ability is good, it’s that he’s a good decision-maker. When you watch him play week in and week out in the Premier League, he doesn’t make many mistakes because he’s a very intelligent player. He plays to his strengths and he’s good at that. Long has a bigger arsenal to draw on in terms of qualities and athleticism, but he doesn’t have the experience that Tim has. Now you have one player that has a little bit more athleticism and you have one player with a little bit more experience. And the balance of those two could be good.

Walker Zimmerman could be good if the game is requiring two center backs that are gonna have to defend in the box and deal with a lot of crosses and manage a lot of tight spaces and some shots and one-v-ones on the outside of the box. These are some of the decisions Gregg and his staff are going to have to make as they plan out the group.

Against Wales, the U.S. is going to see a team that sits in a low block and looks to hit them in transition with players like Daniel James and Gareth Bale. It will likely be similar against Iran. I always say the reason teams play with a low block is that it’s hard to break down. People like to criticize you when you can’t break those teams down, but when they have a low block, that’s the strategy, right? At Leeds, one of the things that we always talk about against teams like this is finishing plays with shots. We want to finish, obviously, with goals, but we say we want to finish plays with shots on frame because that’s another way to create more corners and more set-piece plays. Those can be the difference in these types of games.

Defensively, when those types of teams have a goal kick or the goalkeeper has the ball in his hands, it’s about coming a little bit deeper and inviting your opponent to try to play more. Some teams won’t bite and they go direct, then you have to be good in second-ball situations. Because at that point, if they push forward and go direct and you’re good in second-ball situations, you have created more space behind the opponent where then you can create quick combinations in midfield and look to play more vertically behind them.

One of the most important strategies, for me, when you’re playing a low block is actually losing the balls in certain areas for counter-pressing, so you can win the ball back and create chances. You have to be good at counter-pressing. Incredibly good.

You also have to be good at rest defense, which is marking the opponents while you are in possession. It is crucial to be disciplined in making sure that their players are not standing free, because the tighter you are when you lose the ball, the less you give them room to get out on the run. It requires an acute awareness that every time you lose the ball, you need complete commitment from every player to make sure that you’re running back, that you’re counter-pressing, that you’re smart about fouls, that you do not allow the team to play into the exact strategy that they want. And you have to be aware of the strategy of the opponent the entire match and understand their strengths and eliminate those possibilities.

Even on attacking set pieces, you often have to literally man-mark their transition players because a lot of times these teams want to be effective off defensive set pieces. When I’ve played Liverpool over the years, I’ve man-marked Mohamed Salah on our corner kicks. You get your fastest, most-disciplined players in those roles. You need guys that take pride in that. It’s one of the beauties of Tyler Adams. He takes pride in not allowing his defensive responsibilities to slip. And you need players that are committed to that — that are disciplined, focused, concentrated on exactly those strategies.

All of these things require a very clean and clear tactical awareness of the entire group at all times, and very clear roles on the day for what’s necessary. When you do that well, you can completely dominate the match. If you’re too loose and your awareness is not good enough, then you can look very vulnerable.

England will obviously be a match where they have the ball a little bit more, which could be good for the U.S. This is one of the things with Leeds, too. We like playing against opponents that want the ball because we’re fast, we have athleticism, we like to press, we like to play with intensity. This U.S. player pool can run. They’re young, they’re fit and they have some talent. And most of them, most importantly, are built with fearlessness. A lot of the guys are playing now in the Premier League or in the Champions League week-in and week-out. These guys know what the level of a game like that is. I think if they can be organized against the ball and in pressing, and if they can be good in set-piece situations, defensive and attacking, that will give them the best chance to get a result in that match.

The forward situation is the trickiest for the U.S., especially in a tournament like this. Berhalter likes to overload the wings and create crossing situations, and to do that you need somebody in the middle who can finish, who runs hard in the box, who knows to find space. In the games in CONCACAF when the U.S. have had a lot of possession and have been able to push teams back, they’ve been able to create chances more from that inverted winger position coming inside and creating combinations and scoring goals that way. But against better competition, I think the two ways that they’ll be looking to score will be from crossing and from transition.

Wales have some really good center backs who are strong defending in the box, and so you have to try to find overloads — creating numerical advantages in specific areas of the field — in order to get into the box.

That’s what will be important for me, whether it’s against Wales or Iran, is that we don’t just look like a bunch of attacking players standing outside the box, that we’re putting pressure on them by putting numbers inside the box. By attacking crosses, flat crosses, by creating combinations in the box, by trying to go one-v-one and get penalties. Those things will be vital and good things to watch for in those matches.

It all comes back to one idea: how can you be really dangerous to score goals? For the U.S. in this World Cup, that will be the big question: where are the goals coming from?

Maybe the answer is a simple one: Pulisic.

One of the most difficult things for me is I don’t know Christian well enough. A big part of uncovering the potential of players is uncovering the potential of the people. You have to get to know players to really unearth the potential of their personality, within what their qualities are as a player. And that’s often the fun for me of being a coach. A lot of times with me it’s young players, but that’s not always the case.

We have Rodrigo at Leeds, and he’s 31 and I’ve even had a conversation with him at one point and said it’s too bad I didn’t know him when he was 18 because I could have helped make him one of the best players in the world — I truly believe that. But in the process at Leeds, we’re still uncovering new potentials for him and he’s committed and adapted incredibly well. But to do that I’ve had to really get to know Rodrigo as a person and what makes him tick. What are his vulnerabilities? What are his insecurities? What things make him stronger? What are the things he likes?

With Christian, I don’t know him well enough, and I’ve said in the past that I would love to get to know him more because I can see that there’s so much potential there. But I often wonder how to tap into it, truly.

If we look at what Christian can bring to the U.S. at this World Cup, from a purely tactical perspective, he’s best in space. So in transition moments and when he can be on the run and use his combination of agility and speed and technical ability, that’s when he’s able to be at his best. That feeds more into the games where the U.S. are able to be a little bit more in pressing phases and are in more transition phases. We could see more of that in the England game.

The key, though, is that Christian has also got to find ways to be dynamic running off the ball in the box, not just being satisfied with wanting to get the ball wide in spaces. What I like to say to attacking players in those situations is that our good players can handle the ball in wide spaces — on the wing or in deeper spaces in the midfield. Our best players need to put themselves in dangerous spots that the other players aren’t as good in. And so that involves being more in and around the box, being in and around the center backs and using your cleverness and ability in tight spaces, using your quick first step and then obviously your finishing ability. If Pulisic can do that, the U.S. will be far more dangerous.

In just a few days, we’ll see which way it goes, but as I think about that first game, I keep coming back to that feeling I had way back in 1994 at the Meadowlands. That feeling of the potential that is there for the sport in our country.

They won’t want to talk about it right now, but in reality, this World Cup is a stepping stone for the team going into 2026. We all want to see the team do really well now, but everyone back home is looking at 2026 and imagining what this can really become when the World Cup comes back to the U.S.

It’s a foolish thing to even say out loud, but can we be contenders at home? To even say that out loud is ridiculous. But we do think this is a golden generation of players. We do think that — on pure potential — this is the best group we’ve ever had. So can they develop and grow in a way where, in three and a half years, they can be talked about as semi-finalists? Finalists?

That is the hope of what 2026 can mean.

Inside the business and outside it, too.

[financialsmatter]

Gender Confusion at FIFA in Qatar

The world’s (allegedly) largest spectator sport is not caving in to gender confusion at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Why? Because the Muslim world is adamantly opposed to the protesting of Soccer Teams “Wokeness” over wearing a rainbow flag arm band. Ironically (or NOT) the Muslim world could care less about a tiny fraction of the population using the World Cup Soccer event as a center stage for vocalizing LGBTQIA concerns. And, unlike the NFL – who caved into “taking a knee” while doing permanent damage to their base – the Muslim world has turned the tables against protesters. Some teams have claimed they received death threats if they violated the rules of no protesting allowed. Gender Confusion and Flag Altering Making matters more interesting, the upcoming IRAN vs USA match (today) almost became a firestorm over the weekend after Iran demanded the US team be kicked out of the World Cup over an “altered flag” controversy. A Saturday social media post across the official social media accounts of the US Soccer Federation (USSF) – including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – featured an altered version of the Iranian national flag without the Islamic emblem in the center. US Soccer said it was to show solidarity with the ongoing 'anti-hijab' protest movement which has been raging for over two months inside Iran. Details, as usual, are sketchy at best but one thing we know for sure is that US soccer team coach Gregg Berhalter apologized to the Iranian team over the altered flag controversy. However, he asserted that he and the team had no involvement with the weekend social media post which unleashed a firestorm of controversy. Riiiight. FIFA has not indicated whether it will take any punitive action. But, for Iran, Qatar 2022 continues to be one of the most politicized World Cups in recent memory... The point is this…Sports are supposed to be a great peacemaker. So why can't they let sports be sports? And we have some suggestions for those diva athletes who want to politicize sports with LGBTQ+ and/or Women’s Rights in Iran: Wear your country’s flag Play your silly game Collect your astronomical endorsements Shut up; nobody cares what you think - your sole expertise consists of kicking a rubber ball. By the time you read this post the US vs Iran game will most likely be over. But it could very well set the stage for more international and political chaos going into 2023. And don’t be surprised if we see the chaos force billions into the US markets for safety. Remember, we believe we’re still in The Most Hated Bull Market in History. And you should take advantage of it by reading the December issue of “…In Plain English” (HERE). Share this with a friend…especially if they’re paying attention to the World Cup matches. They’ll thank YOU later. FYI **************************************** Invest with confidence. Sincerely, James Vincent The Reverend of Finance Copyright © 2022 It's Not Just About Finance, LLC, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Read the full article