Tyler Adams USMNT vs Turkey
The Bournemouth midfielder supported Pulisic’s decision, suggesting skipping Gold Cup will 'help him in the long run'
England v USA: Group B - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
WHAT HAPPENED
Christian Pulisic and the UMMNT were entangled in controversy much of the summer after the AC Milan star opted to skip the Gold Cup. The move, along with his subsequent comments trying to explain the absence, drew heavy criticism from former USMNT players, including Landon Donovan, Alexi Lalas, Herculez Gomez, Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey, among others.
Bournemouth midfielder midfielder Tyler Adams defended his USMNT teammate, saying that his choice was personal and necessary - and that Pulisic never anticipated the level of criticism.
“It’s a topic that everyone wants to have an opinion on, of course, but what Christian did is what he had to do for himself,” Adams told the Athletic. “He doesn’t have to earn the respect of anyone in the group. Everyone knows who Christian is as a person, and how good of a player he is as well. But everyone needs time in certain moments of their career or life to just say 'Let me take a step back, focus on myself for a second and then move forward.'
“I speak to Christian all the time. We’re obviously super close. And I just know that this summer, while he took a step away, he didn’t anticipate that there was going to be that much noise and heat around it. But again, everyone wants to throw his name in the gutter because it creates a big story, or it creates noise around (the team). And that’s how big of a player he is and how important of a player he is... he’s one of the leaders of our team. The decision that he made was best for him, and it’s going to help him in the long run.”
AC Milan v Bologna - Serie A
WHAT ADAMS SAID
Adams criticized the pundits who called out Pulisic, especially the opinionated former USMNT players.
“I can’t even explain it,” Adam said. “I’m not a social-media guy, so I don’t follow anything, but when people bring up some of the things that are being said and some of the stories that are being created, it feels weird, because it feels like not long ago that every single one of those people were on board with, like, the direction that the federation was going and how well the players were doing.
“And it feels like any setback is (treated) like a disaster is happening. Do you know what I mean? And that happens in football. I get it. Some people have jobs where their job is to speak about the sport, and if that’s their opinion, that’s their opinion. My goal is to try to create an environment, especially within our team, where guys feel like they can go out, be themselves, be comfortable. We’re all on the same page and want to grow the sport in America."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Adams didn't wear the captain's armband this summer but, in reality, is clearly one of the team's core leaders. He was Gregg Berhalter's captain and, while he may not yet be Mauricio Pochettino's, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him leading the team at a second consecutive World Cup.
TOPSHOT-FBL-WC-2022-MATCH34-IRI-USA
WHAT’S NEXT?
The USMNT will play Korea and Japan in pair of September friendlies as they continue their path toward the 2026 World Cup.
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
