‘They Only Wanted One Roster’ – Pulisic Reveals Pochettino Turned Down His Request to Play June Friendlies

USMNT Star Christian Pulisic Admits He Asked to Play Turkey and Switzerland Games—but Mauricio Pochettino Said No

In a surprising twist ahead of this summer’s Gold Cup, Christian Pulisic has revealed that he actually wanted to feature in the U.S. national team’s June friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland—but was halted by coach Mauricio Pochettino. It all came out during a relaxed chat on the Call It What You Want podcast from CBS Sports Golazo, where “Captain America” offered fans a peek behind the curtain of national team tactics and tough conversations.

What Happened? Pulisic Wanted to Play—But Was Denied

Fresh off choosing to skip the Gold Cup, Pulisic turned heads by admitting he’d asked to play in the two lead-up friendlies, only to be told “no” by the U.S. boss himself.

“I did want to be a part of at least the two friendlies,” Pulisic said. “I did speak with the coaches and I asked. And I wanted to be a part of the team in whatever capacity I could. And they said no, and that they only wanted one roster.”

That line—“they only wanted one roster”—has resonated with many, hinting at a rigid squad depth strategy or a philosophical intent from Pochettino to field a single group of players without rotation.

What Pulisic Said: Respect, Confusion—and Self-Belief

Pulisic was candid about his reaction, balancing professional respect with honest confusion.

“It’s the coach’s decision, I fully respect that,” he noted. “I didn’t understand it, but it is what it is… I had to make the best decision for myself and, in the long run, my team—even if clearly some people haven’t seen it that way.”

It’s a delicate dance—when a star player publicly questions a coach’s call, it can be awkward. But Pulisic handled it coolly, framing his question as coming from a place of respect, not confrontation.

The Bigger Picture: Gold Cup Snub Sparks Wider Debate

The comments come amid heated debate around Pulisic’s decision to miss the Gold Cup entirely. Many fans and pundits took a dim view, arguing the U.S. star should be front-and-centre at a major CONCACAF tournament.

But Pulisic has said all along that his long-term health, Milan commitments, and a desire to avoid burnout factored into his choice—not disloyalty. His revelation about wanting to play friendlies only to be refused adds nuance to the story: he didn’t shun the team, but wasn’t given the opportunity.

Balancing Club vs Country: A Recurring Dilemma

When you play for a top Serie A club like AC Milan, scheduling and injury concerns carry massive weight. Pulisic has yet to feature in Milan’s preseason or Club World Cup plans, but he’s due back in training next week, fresh from a well-timed break.

His calendar looks like this:

• Mid-July: AC Milan friendly tour begins in Asia

• July 23: Face-off vs Arsenal in Singapore

• Followed by further warm-up games against top-tier teams

Those dates put Pulisic on a collision course with early Gold Cup preparations, if he’d been selected. The refusal to let him play in June friendlies thus becomes more understandable—not a snub, but a strategic decision.

How Pulisic Handled the Pressure

It’s rare to see a player as influential as Pulisic speak this frankly. It takes confidence to drop such revelations, especially when it can color public perception of a coach-player relationship. That said, his measured tone helped frame the issue as a difference in strategy—not a clash of egos.

And remember, Pulisic has always handled scrutiny well. From emerging as a teenage sensation to battling through injury setbacks at Dortmund, Chelsea, and now Milan, he’s one of America’s most thoughtful, self-aware footballers.

What Next for Pulisic and the USMNT?

AC Milan v AC Monza – Serie A

Pulisic’s next steps are straightforward:

1. Return to AC Milan Preseason – Starting next week, he’ll ramp up fitness levels and reconnect with teammates.

2. Regroup with USMNT Later This Summer – Expect a return in September when World Cup qualifiers resume.

3. Maintain Form, Avoid Burnout – A carefully managed season could keep him at peak performance.

One thing is certain: fans will be watching how this saga shapes the Pulisic–Pochettino relationship. Will this public admission of disappointment bring them closer through honesty, or plant seeds of tension? Time will tell.

A Tactician’s Gamble: One Roster, No Room?

Pochettino’s decision to stick with a “single roster” comes with pros and cons:

✅ Pros

• Cohesion and Clarity – Players know exactly where they stand; there’s less anxiety over constant rotation.

• Focused Preparation – Coaches can drill tactics without distraction from late comers.

• Player Welfare – Pulisic suggested his limited availability was tied to health and fatigue—important for Milan.

❌ Cons

• Missed Experience – Other players may lose valuable minutes in friendlies.

• Dampened Motivation – If stars feel shut out, morale could be affected.

• Fan Backlash – Public disagreements inevitably ignite controversy.

Pochettino’s style earns him both apprehension and admiration—perhaps a byproduct of bringing Argentinian managerial principles to the U.S. national team.

Is Pulisic’s Confession a Turning Point?

This summer may mark a deeper shift in how USMNT personalities are managed publicly. Gone are the days of sugar-coated, “safe” interviews. Pulisic’s frankness reflects a player comfortable with his place in global football—and unafraid to voice frustration.

But it’s not a power play. Instead, it signals a subtle assertion of professionalism: “I wanted to serve my country—and I was ready to do so, but it didn’t happen.”

That honesty may win him fan respect—now and down the road.

Final Word: More Than Just Criticism

“Captain America” remains a symbol of a new generation—ambitious, global, and deliberate. As he prepares to return to Milan—or perhaps later to the U.S. squad—we’ll hear more about his professionalism and leadership.

Mauricio Pochettino gets to keep his roster rigidity, and Pulisic maintains his devotion to club and country. The public airing of this disagreement? It simply proves: in the modern game, even Big Decisions don’t stay behind closed doors.

And Christian Pulisic? He’s letting us know he cares—deeply.