There was a time when poor performances or poor results from the United States Men’s National Team rarely raised eyebrows outside the locker room. There was no major media reaction and no outrage among supporters. I still remember it well – I was on the team.

Compare that to the reaction to Tuesday’s loss to Mexico: “Fucking disgrace.” Disaster. Awkward. “Unacceptable.” Sure, it was the USA’s first setback under Mauricio Pochettino. But for me it’s a good sign. Critics are healthy. I would rather see an avalanche of anger than no response at all.

US fans have endured the Copa America debacle and the subsequent firing of Gregg Berhalter. No wonder they were looking forward to a new beginning and a big performance. No wonder they felt disappointed when it didn’t come. Especially against Mexico. Especially when their star player was nowhere to be seen.

Christian Pulisic left the squad to return to AC Milan and limit his workload. Fans have every right to be frustrated at such a crucial time.

Pulisic is our biggest player, our best player – and this wasn’t a normal USMNT camp. It marked the start of Pochettino’s reign and the countdown to the 2026 World Cup.

Christian Pulisic returned to AC Milan ahead of the USA’s loss to rivals Mexico

Without his star player, Mauricio Pochettino suffered his first defeat as manager of the USMNT

DailyMail.com columnist Tim Howard

Christian is a good leader of this group. No one can question his commitment to the USMNT and no one can deny that he needs to take care of his body.

But even if he doesn’t play, he should still be there – to create the culture and be a role model. I was an experienced player and a big personality in the dressing room. I challenged a lot of people and what did I find? The moments when you can show your seriousness usually come off the field.

There were times when I was injured or on the bench. At this point I had about 100 capsules, but I would carry the water. Or I would pick up the equipment from the locker room floor while the players making their second or third appearance were in the shower.

They were small gestures that conveyed an important message: If we’re in deep trouble and I ask you to do something, it’s nothing I wouldn’t do myself.

That’s what makes a good leader. Then build trust and culture. Not by leaving the camp. But by supporting the team with advice and support.

The problem? Anyone who has ever been a national team player knows that the battle between club and country is real. This is not a Pulisic problem or an AC Milan problem. Every great player and every great team deals with this. It’s a constant tug of war.

In his second game as coach, the USA lost 2-0 to arch-rivals Mexico in Guadalajara

Pochettino and his USMNT players were heavily criticized after the defeat

But at some point Pochettino, Pulisic and the USA have to flex their muscles and tell Milan: This is how it will continue. We need Christian – to play or just to be together.

These are normal conversations that take place all the time between clubs and countries. It’s always a huge battle. It is a push-and-pull relationship based on building trust and earning credit with the bank.

In a perfect world, the technical director of a national team would be in very close contact with clubs around the world. It’s not about simply making demands. It’s about working together, bringing them over and showing them your setup.

You don’t want clubs flying blind trying to figure out who is the best person to email. You have to build bridges and show mercy. Only then will teams allow players to be examined by international doctors. Only then will you be able to assert your will when the going gets tough.

The coach couldn’t hide his disappointment after having to do without his outstanding player

As Pochettino said last week: “(We need to) build a very good relationship with the club and try to help. And when we really need him, he needs to be in shape, happy and strong.”

The coach couldn’t hide his disappointment after traveling to Guadalajara without several key players – including Pulisic. “We came up a little short here,” said Pochettino.

It was far from ideal – considering he played so few games before the 2026 World Cup. And considering it happened against Mexico.

Many fans don’t want to see experiments or rotations against our rivals. I’m usually one of them – it’s a game to be won. However, at some point Pochettino will have to deal with other players.

So let’s not panic. Fans should still be optimistic. Pochettino is a brilliant manager who works with a good group. But someone who, as the best player, can’t afford to travel halfway around the world.