> Internacional > Texto
Former USMNT defender Jimmy Conrad: Christian Pulisic skipping Gold Cup is ‘disappointing,’ but spotlight should be on U.S. players on the roster
{by} goal


Mexico v United States: Final - Concacaf Nations League

GOAL spoke with Conrad at media day ahead of the veteran's upcoming games at TST 2025 in North Carolina

Article continues belo


Inaugural Street Soccer USA Philadelphia Cup

WHAT HAPPENED?

CARY, N.C. - Christian Pulisic's request to have the summer off from U.S. men's national team duty has drawn criticism since the announcement. The USMNT's superstar attacker, following a disastrous team showing at the Nations League in March, will not be participating in the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer - the last tournament the team will have ahead of the FIFA World Cup - and it's brought forth a plethora of opinions since.

Former U.S. international and member of the 2006 World Cup squad, Jimmy Conrad, was the latest to deliver his verdict.

"I would be lying if I didn't say I wasn't disappointed," Conrad told GOAL at media day for The Soccer Tournament 2025.

Conrad, however, said he can relate to Pulisic's perspective. The former defender, who had 27 caps for the Americans, pointed to the fact that he, too, asked for a break from the national team during a January camp call-up.

"I know what it's like to have the courage to have to really think about ‘I just need a rest,’ and so, imagine if we didn't give him that," Conrad explained. "You have to meet your players where they are, right? It's like the No. 1 thing of leadership... is there going to be some fallout? Yes, but it's up to the coach and the other members of the team to protect that space a little bit. So, yeah, competitively, I’m bummed he’s not there.

"It's a big opportunity to be a part of the group for a month – we're not going to have that leading up to the World Cup. However, for him to ask that means there's something bigger going on, and we need to respect that as well... Let's just focus on the players that are going to be there - and I'm excited to see if some players can take their chance."

READ MORE: Sergio Agüero, Luis Nani, Hope Solo and Carli Lloyd headline TST 2025


US defender Jimmy Conrad reacts during t

WHAT CONRAD SAID

Conrad broke out with the USMNT at the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup, one year before the 2006 World Cup, utilizing the regional tournament to make his case for the world's biggest sporting event.

His career is one that multiple U.S. players on the training camp roster for this month will be looking at to inspire them to push their way into the fold of selection ahead of next summer, and he's hoping they do so, too.

His message to players such as Patrick Agyemang, Paxten Aaronson, Diego Luna, Brian White, Damion Downs, and Jack McGlynn - among others - is to be the best teammate possible, while pushing to find the best version of themselves on the pitch, as well.

"What can I do to provide value? Like working hard to practice, pushing the guys, being a good leader, having presence...I mean, simple things, like, I'm just gonna pick up balls without being asked, not having any shred of entitlement," he explained. "Because when you get down to if you're gonna be like 18 through 23 or 23 to 26 on a World Cup roster, they have to know and trust that you're not going to cause them problems a week in because things aren't going your way."

Conrad said he would relish the opportunity to speak to the team about his World Cup experience.

"It's a really big opportunity, because now you can be around the coaching staff for five weeks to really, kind of put your fingerprints and stamp on 'This is how I'm going to be if you need me.' I'd love to sit down and talk with them, because I obviously nailed it, because I got into the World Cup roster in 2006. Yeah, not bad haha, young people. Didn't expect it, but it's because I had earned that trust from the coaching staff during that time."


pochettino

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Conrad is featuring at the 7v7 World Championships this week for the third-straight season, but this year, he's turned to the touchline to lead his squad, Kwik Goal FC. He will be joined by the likes of former MLS MVPs Sebastian Giovinco and Dwayne De Rosario, with action kicking off Wednesday.

The USMNT, meanwhile, begins their pre-Gold Cup training camp this week with Pochettino - though Pulisic isn't the only star missing. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna are all playing in the Club World Cup, while Folarin Balogun was sent home on Sunday due to injury and Yunus Musah is not in camp for "personal reasons."

It's a new-look group for the U.S., and all eyes will be on Pochettino to see if he can maximize what he has available for the Gold Cup as the U.S. look to win their first title in the competition since 2021.


Kwik Goal FC TST 2025

WHAT NEXT?

Conrad and Kwik Goal FC take the pitch at TST this week as they look to march their way towards the $1 million prize for winning the men's division. The USMNT, meanwhile, plays Turkey on Saturday in an international friendly ahead of the Gold Cup.

Tag
Daily Laugh - One club's trash is another club's treasure

Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Gyokeres & Sesko Do I join them? Chelsenal Dr. Tomiyasu & Dr. Diaby One of the best pictures at the Club World Cup 2025.. Joao Pedro is officially a Chelsea player. One club's trash is another club's treasurePlease stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, thefootballarenaa, BleacherReportFootball)...

Chelsea
Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres
{by} 7M Sport
Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea to chase Lyon's Fofana as £51.5M price tag is revealed

As reported by The Independant, Lyon have set a price of at least £51.5m (€60m) for 20-year-old Malick Fofana who is being targeted by several Premier League sides who feel that the youngster can bolster their attack. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Nottingham Forest had agree a deal with Lyon earlier this week but are yet to convince the player of a move due to interest from o...

Arsenal
Malick Fofana
Liverpool
{by} tribalfootball.com
Man Utd confident raised and ‘restructured’ third bid will seal Mbeumo coup

The value of the upcoming third Manchester United bid for Bryan Mbeumo has been revealed, and the club are optimistic the improved terms they'll put forward will satisfy Brentford, according to reports.Man Utd are desperate to sign Mbeumo in time for the start of pre-season training on July 7. That is just a few days away and the Red Devils will have no issues finalising personal terms with the le...

Bryan Mbeumo
Manchester United
Ruben Amorim
{by} teamtalk.com
Liverpool 'want to sign Bundesliga defender with £78m release clause' - but 'face competition from two giants' including Premier League rivals

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing wantaway RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba - but will likely have to tussle for him.The Reds are ramping up their search for a centre-back after selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35million.Lukeba, 22, has established a strong reputation over the past few seasons at Lyon and Leipzig and earned himself a senior France cap. But the 6...

Liverpool
Castello Lukeba
RB Leipzig
{by} dailymail.co.uk
Transfer news & rumours LIVE: Bayern eye Rashford as part of summer rebuild

Atletico prepare a major bid for Spurs' RomeroAtletico Madrid are planning a formal offer for Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero, according to AS. The Spanish club is expected to table a proposal worth €55 million upfront, with an additional €15 million tied to performance-based clauses.Diego Simeone is reportedly eager to bring the Argentina international to the Wanda Metro...

Bayern Munich
Marcus Rashford
Manchester City
{by} Goal.com
Barcelona make Marc Casado transfer decision amid Chelsea interest

Barcelona make Marc Casado transfer decision amid Chelsea interestBarcelona have reportedly set their asking price for midfielder Marc Casado as Premier League side Chelsea and La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid circle.The 21-year-old could be set to leave Barcelona this summer as they seek to ease their ongoing issues with FFP and offer Nico Williams guarantees he could be registered.According to Spa...

{by} tribalfootball
Erik ten Hag will have a 'title-winning team!' Bayer Leverkusen hope Florian Wirtz mega sale can fund Bayern Munich challenge as runners-up plan even more signings

FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-LEVERKUSEN-TEN HAGBayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes wants to use funds from Florian Wirtz’s mega sale to create a title-winning team.WHAT HAPPENED?Leverkusen want to use the £116 million ($158m) generated from Wirtz’s transfer to Liverpool to fund potential player recruitment and build a side that would fight for major accolades and challenge Bunde...

{by} goal
Bayern Munich back in for Nico Williams amid Barcelona transfer standstill as Bundesliga side increase offer to Athletic Club star

Athletic Club v Real Valladolid CF - La Liga EA SportsBayern Munich are looking to pounce on the opportunity to lure Nico Williams to Bundesliga, amid lack of registration guarantees from Barcelona.WHAT HAPPENED?According to Sky Sports of Germany, Bayern Munich are intensifying their pursuit of Nico Williams, aiming to capitalise on the winger’s hesitation over a move to Barcelona. The Bavar...

{by} goal
Concacaf Gold Cup live updates: USMNT vs. Guatemala

It's semifinal time in the Concacaf Gold Cup for the host country!Enjoy the play-by-play from Wednesday's game: United States versus Guatemala at Energizer Park in St. Louis.Jump to: Gold Cup home page | Liveblog...

{by} ESPN
How Gabriel Martinelli holds the key to Arsenal's Rodrygo & Anthony Gordon transfer pursuits - revealed

Gabriel Martinelli Rodrygo Anthony Gordon GFXArsenal are actively exploring their options to bolster the attacking unit ahead of the upcoming season, with high-profile names such as Rodrygo and Anthony Gordon emerging as potential recruits. The Gunners’ pursuit of reinforcements, however, is intrinsically linked to the future of Gabriel Martinelli.WHAT HAPPENED?According to The Athletic's Da...

{by} goal
Dalian Aerbin(féminines)
06/03/2019 04:00 VS Pas commencé
Dalian Aerbin(féminines)
Classement
D E
Matchs joués
73.5% Victoires 26.5%
Pts: 82 Rang: 1 Pts: 82 Rang: 1
Domicile
73.5% Victoires 26.5%
Pts: 82 Rang: 1 Pts: 82 Rang: 1
Extérieur
73.5% Victoires 26.5%
Pts: 82 Rang: 1 Pts: 82 Rang: 1
Últimos 6
73.5% Victoires 26.5%
Pts: 82 Rang: 1 Pts: 82 Rang: 1
Derniers 8 paris (AH)
D E
G P G P G P G P
Victoires: 62.50%
G P G P G P G P
Victoires: 62.50%
Plus
Rang
Équipe
Pts
Rang
Équipe
Pts
Rang
Équipe
Pts
Rang
Équipe
Pts
Rang
Équipe
Pts
Rang
Équipe
Pts