Like most, I find the Pepi > Pefok decision to be bad on the face. The only rationale that I can imagine, that I’d be good with, is maybe Berhalter, Pefok, and Union Berlin thought that sitting out this International break is better AND HAS NO BEARING ON WC. I don’t think that’s likely, but before I get out my pitchfork, I’d be happy if that was the decision. In general, RP should be resetting his path and focusing on form and club, with the WC reasonably being an option in 26. Jordan is more warranted to be on the plane this year, IMO
Not bringing in Pefok seems crazy. At the very least he's a good choice to sub in late in games if we are behind. None of the 3 9s on the roster have the same kind of physical presence or ability to head the ball. Also surprised we didn't bring in another midfielder (Williamson, Mihailovic).
Clearly the bar is set at a different, lower level for Pepi. And maybe that's justifiable. But I do think that is pretty undeniable. Imagine Pefok getting called in after a year of not scoring. Or Pepi not getting called in while scoring and assisting for the Bundesliga leaders.
Let's see. Maybe Pefok re-aggravated his little injury from a couple weeks ago, or there's some other random reason.
In terms of profile of striker, Sargent and Pepi are similar types and more in line with Berhalter's preferred style of play at the position. But there should be room on the roster in Qatar for someone like Pefok, more of a traditional target-type striker, to sub into games and who could get on the end of a set piece and finish. I'm going to remember Gregg's words this week about the striker situation and hope we see Pefok on the plane to Qatar.
I don't think this means Pefok is out of the World Cup. I think with his recent injury, it's likely all parties agreed it might be best for him to stay in Germany. And Gregg wants to give Pepi a boost. If Pepi doesn't do well at Groningen or shows poorly in the friendlies, I don't think he goes to Qatar.
Can’t remember if I’ve said this here or elsewhere, but if you aren’t even making the starting XI at FC Augsburg... If Pefok doesn’t fit Berhalter’s model, it’s the model, guy. I watched him in group stage last year with YB and couldn’t have been happier FCU replaced Taiwo with him. He’s like an agile giraffe. With two steps he can close from anywhere. Seems like he’s always looking for the unconventional finish. Maybe his early season injury scared GB off. Honestly better for Union, but whatever.
Let's be real here. All the players that are being debated in this thread are -- at best -- on the fringe of the roster. Pefok, Pepi, Sands, Roldan are all in the running to be Nos. 23-26 on the list. They would all have little chance of seeing the field in Qatar. If any of them actually played, I think something went very wrong with the players above them.
Generally, nothing’s changed for me. Strong squad in midfield and wingers, average in the back, and sub-par at forward. Getting out of the group is always the low bar and one knockout win would qualify the tournament as a success. GB likes players he’s worked with and believes in. That makes him less ruthless than many international managers. It’s a big gamble on Pepi, though if RP shoots blanks in the warmups and Pefok stays hot, he’ll make the switch.
I've been really pessimistic about our number 9 (and therefore everything) until I saw Ferreira's two goals for Dallas Saturday. That's the kind of creativity we need to turn chances into goals. I hope he can keep it up for the rest of the season and then carry it to Qatar.
Zero mention of Roldan, was the out with injuries Steffen, Jedi Robinson and Weah something officially announced or just assumed? Bad timing for him to get what is essentially his first injury as a pro.
Yes everyone else including Grant has already said it but disappointed no Pefok over Pepi. And yeah, was puzzled about Tillman being listed as a midfielder.
I hate that Vasquez isn't getting a chance, but am not surprised by it. It never felt like Berhalter thought he had enough time to work himself into contention.
Like most, I find the Pepi > Pefok decision to be bad on the face. The only rationale that I can imagine, that I’d be good with, is maybe Berhalter, Pefok, and Union Berlin thought that sitting out this International break is better AND HAS NO BEARING ON WC. I don’t think that’s likely, but before I get out my pitchfork, I’d be happy if that was the decision. In general, RP should be resetting his path and focusing on form and club, with the WC reasonably being an option in 26. Jordan is more warranted to be on the plane this year, IMO
Not bringing in Pefok seems crazy. At the very least he's a good choice to sub in late in games if we are behind. None of the 3 9s on the roster have the same kind of physical presence or ability to head the ball. Also surprised we didn't bring in another midfielder (Williamson, Mihailovic).
Pepi over Pefok? No. Just, no.
No Pefok = bad decision. He is clearly in form playing regularly in a top 4 league in the world. Pepi is a project for 2026.
Super disappointed for JP.
Clearly the bar is set at a different, lower level for Pepi. And maybe that's justifiable. But I do think that is pretty undeniable. Imagine Pefok getting called in after a year of not scoring. Or Pepi not getting called in while scoring and assisting for the Bundesliga leaders.
Let's see. Maybe Pefok re-aggravated his little injury from a couple weeks ago, or there's some other random reason.
In terms of profile of striker, Sargent and Pepi are similar types and more in line with Berhalter's preferred style of play at the position. But there should be room on the roster in Qatar for someone like Pefok, more of a traditional target-type striker, to sub into games and who could get on the end of a set piece and finish. I'm going to remember Gregg's words this week about the striker situation and hope we see Pefok on the plane to Qatar.
I don't think this means Pefok is out of the World Cup. I think with his recent injury, it's likely all parties agreed it might be best for him to stay in Germany. And Gregg wants to give Pepi a boost. If Pepi doesn't do well at Groningen or shows poorly in the friendlies, I don't think he goes to Qatar.
Can’t remember if I’ve said this here or elsewhere, but if you aren’t even making the starting XI at FC Augsburg... If Pefok doesn’t fit Berhalter’s model, it’s the model, guy. I watched him in group stage last year with YB and couldn’t have been happier FCU replaced Taiwo with him. He’s like an agile giraffe. With two steps he can close from anywhere. Seems like he’s always looking for the unconventional finish. Maybe his early season injury scared GB off. Honestly better for Union, but whatever.
Let's be real here. All the players that are being debated in this thread are -- at best -- on the fringe of the roster. Pefok, Pepi, Sands, Roldan are all in the running to be Nos. 23-26 on the list. They would all have little chance of seeing the field in Qatar. If any of them actually played, I think something went very wrong with the players above them.
Generally, nothing’s changed for me. Strong squad in midfield and wingers, average in the back, and sub-par at forward. Getting out of the group is always the low bar and one knockout win would qualify the tournament as a success. GB likes players he’s worked with and believes in. That makes him less ruthless than many international managers. It’s a big gamble on Pepi, though if RP shoots blanks in the warmups and Pefok stays hot, he’ll make the switch.
I've been really pessimistic about our number 9 (and therefore everything) until I saw Ferreira's two goals for Dallas Saturday. That's the kind of creativity we need to turn chances into goals. I hope he can keep it up for the rest of the season and then carry it to Qatar.
People n Wright both should be on the roster as should Sands
Zero mention of Roldan, was the out with injuries Steffen, Jedi Robinson and Weah something officially announced or just assumed? Bad timing for him to get what is essentially his first injury as a pro.
Wonder if Pevok a lock.
Yes everyone else including Grant has already said it but disappointed no Pefok over Pepi. And yeah, was puzzled about Tillman being listed as a midfielder.
I hate that Vasquez isn't getting a chance, but am not surprised by it. It never felt like Berhalter thought he had enough time to work himself into contention.