Mauricio Pochettino has dismissed any lingering issues with Christian Pulisic regarding the CONCACAF Gold Cup, as the USMNT star prepares to face South Korea. Pulisic’s decision to skip the Gold Cup previously drew criticism, but Pochettino insists that the matter is resolved, emphasizing the importance of unity and moving forward. The upcoming friendly will also see Pochettino reunite with Son Heung-min, his former player at Tottenham, adding further interest to the match.
Mauricio Pochettino has emphatically declared that any lingering issues with Christian Pulisic stemming from the CONCACAF Gold Cup controversy are firmly in the past. The declaration comes as Pulisic is poised to rejoin the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) for their upcoming friendly against South Korea.
The saga unfolded when Pulisic, a key figure for the USMNT, opted to forgo participation in the Gold Cup to recuperate following demanding seasons with AC Milan in Serie A. While Pulisic expressed a desire to participate in pre-tournament friendlies, Pochettino, then newly appointed, decided against fielding him. The USMNT, despite fielding a largely makeshift squad, progressed to the Gold Cup final, ultimately succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against Mexico in Houston.
Pulisic's decision to sit out the tournament drew criticism from prominent figures such as former USMNT stars Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. However, Pochettino has moved swiftly to dispel any notion of lingering animosity between himself and Pulisic. Speaking ahead of the anticipated return of Pulisic against South Korea, Pochettino asserted that all is well between him and the star attacker.
"For me, it’s in the past. This type of thing happens, we all make mistakes sometimes because we all read situations in a different way," Pochettino stated in a press conference, seeking to draw a line under the matter. "But the most important thing in this situation, we all want to move on and do the right things, it’s about being intelligent."
Pochettino emphasized the importance of moving forward constructively. "It’s in the past and we can see now with different players, Christian is happy to be here, of course he is an important player for us and I think it’s about building for the World Cup and I think the mood is good. All is behind us."
Adding further context to the situation, he emphasized that misunderstandings can occur. The manager is more focused on fostering a positive environment as the team prepares for future challenges, including the World Cup. Pulisic's commitment to the team is undoubted and he remains a pivotal figure for the USMNT.
The upcoming fixture against South Korea at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey holds additional significance for Pochettino, as it will see him reunited with Son Heung-min. Son, a South Korea superstar who previously played under Pochettino at Tottenham, recently joined Los Angeles FC after a decade in the Premier League. Pochettino expressed his excitement at the prospect of seeing Son again.
"It’s going to be an amazing opportunity to see each other, we really love each other, he was a very important player, one of the most important players in my period at Tottenham," Pochettino remarked. The manager reflected on his long-standing admiration for Son. "I was always chasing him when I was at Southampton. I tried to sign him. When we moved to Tottenham, we chased again and convinced him to join us."
Pochettino continued to lavish praise on Son, highlighting his contributions to Tottenham. "He is a legend at Tottenham, one of the best players in the world, an amazing player, an amazing person, unbelievable. It’s going to be really, really nice." The manager's words underscore the deep respect and affection he holds for Son, both as a player and as an individual.
The friendly match offers a valuable opportunity for the USMNT to fine-tune their preparations and build cohesion. With the potential return of Christian Pulisic and the reunion of Mauricio Pochettino and Son Heung-min, the fixture promises to be a compelling affair.
This game is more than just a friendly; it is an opportunity for the USMNT to test strategies and player combinations, and the match against South Korea will allow Pochettino and his staff to assess the team's readiness for upcoming competitive matches. The focus will be on building team chemistry and ensuring that key players like Pulisic are fully integrated and ready to contribute.
Pochettino's emphasis on moving past any previous issues highlights his leadership style, focused on unity and forward progress. As the USMNT sets its sights on future goals, the coach's approach is aimed at creating a positive and collaborative environment where players can thrive. The team and its fans will be watching eagerly as these storylines unfold on the pitch.
MB & CP pic.twitter.com/u87bDryrtD
— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) September 3, 2025