Christian Pulisic wants to hear your questions for the Mailbag (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Two quick things:
Check out my analysis of the USMNT World Cup roster with Chris Wittyngham on the new Fútbol with Grant Wahl podcast, which you can get on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you like to go for your pods.
Mailbag time! The World Cup is days away, but we’ve got one more big soccer weekend ahead with two USWNT-Germany games; Spurs-Leeds; Newcastle-Chelsea; Atalanta-Inter; Juventus-Lazio; the women’s Liga MX final (Tigres-América) and the USL Championship final (Louisville City-San Antonio).But first we’ll have our Friday Newsletter. Feel free below to ask your probing, thoughtful and/or amusing questions about any soccer topic, including the USMNT and the World Cup, and I’ll answer the best ones tomorrow. Thank you!
Can you shed some more light on the connection between Haji Wright, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, etc. and the US development academy?
I sharply remember Pulisic speaking so glowingly of Wright around that Morocco friendly, because (as a new fan) he was completely off my radar. That, coupled with the fact that CP gave him that penalty, left me with the sense that this was a guy (Wright) those academy-linked players not only liked, but felt belonged right alongside them at the core of the USMNT.
As a result, I feel like Wright's inclusion on the team was Gregg making a nod to those core players, and delivers a "the boys are back together" energy that could produce inspired play at the WC.
What exactly is Wright's relationship with CP, McKennie, Adams, etc? Is he someone they rate higher than perhaps the public consensus?
Hey Grant. I'm sure you're going to get a lot of variations of this question, but here's mine: What the heck happened with Steffen? Part of me wonders if Steffen knew he wouldn't be GK1 and walked away. That seems hard to believe...who wouldn't want to go to a World Cup, even if you don't see playing time...but it just feels like something happened behind the scenes that had nothing to do with form or injury. What's your sense?
What kind of crowd atmosphere should we expect at this WC? Specifically for the three US matches, is it going to be a raucous US/opponent split or a subdued crowd of wealthy neutral fans?
If Christian Pulisic is looking for a move during the January transfer window, what teams would be best for his career, balancing playing time/impact vs level of club?
I came with a similar question, but on a more broad level. Do we see more overreactions from clubs on World Cup performances in the January window, or are players (especially ones already at good clubs ala Pulisic) going to stay put due to such little break in-between everything?
How hot is Andonovski's seat? What will it take for him to be let go and is it too close to next year's WWC for them to change the coach? It's been three years, and I still don't know the identity/tactical approach of his USWNT team.
I’m not sure I understand the significance of Brenden Aaronson being listed as a midfielder. Twellman called it out during the reveal show, and I believe you commented on it as well. Is this suggesting Aaronson might be used more centrally? It’s hard to imagine him being favored over MMA, but perhaps in addition as an attacking mid or false 9? That seems a bit exotic for Berhalter but would help get our best players on the pitch at the same time. What are your thoughts?
Hey Grant! As a fellow podcaster (Footy Travelers Podcast) with nowhere near your incredible experience and expertise, I'm curious how you plan to continue giving voice to the issues in Qatar AFTER the World Cup champion has been crowned. After the stadiums have emptied, and after the influx of soccer fans and travelers have all left. The World Cup is carrying on. There is no federations-backed boycott happening (would be an incredible surprise if they've been able to keep it secret for this long). How do we not forget the people who suffered or were wronged making this World Cup happen once the spectacle is over and our attention has moved on?
Is it me, or do the centerback selections seem like GB is preparing to shift his defensive approach? Seems to me that CCV and Ream are completely different players from Zimmerman and Long, and from kind of players he had been bringing in (like Mackenzie).
Why do you think Steffen was left off of the roster entirely? Does it seem as though the coaching staff favored Horvath over him as the backup, or more that culture-wise they didn’t believe he could handle being the #2 without becoming a disruption?
Must be the latter of the two here Nick - else he would simply be down to #3 on depth. I think the real question we will not learn anytime soon is if he was offered to be back-up and simply refused. That appears most logical to me since to fall to #4 on depth from #1 without injury makes no sense.
Should players that are looking to get themselves in a “right” situation to be chosen for the next World Cup think twice about jumping to Europe? Pepi took the jump on advice from GGG. He was killing it as a 9 for FCD. It seems like Pepi took the challenge, overcame struggles, then sees his replacement as a 9 at FCD take his WC spot. Pepi would have likely had a better year than Ferreira in that same spot with FCD over the last year.
Also, will this Pepi decision affect the decisions of other US/Mexico dual nationals in the future?
I keep seeing discussion of possible changes to the MLS playoffs as having to do with the Apple TV deal. Do you think that’s it? Or is it about having more high-attendance games for the ticket revenue?
I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, but it feels like the USMNT is coming into this WC with a lot of uncertainty and poor results. What kind of odds would you give on Berhalter losing his job if the USA fails to make it out of the group stage?
Hi Grant, what strategy gives the US the best chance possible against England? This is an England side low on confidence and belief, with some players out of form but still favoured. There is surely a chance that an attacking approach is the best here, especially given England's riches-to-rags issues at full-back. Surely the US have a great chance here, unless they adopt a low block that may end up handing confidence to a faltering England side? Thanks m
seeing Steven Caldwell here on TSN pick Portugal-Brazil to make the finals, I wonder if Portugal-Argentina is more likely than we think as a final. Imagining the implications of a Messi versus Ronaldo final in whatever role that they would have just boggles the mind.
As someone who grew up playing the sport in the US in the 1980s and 90s, I called it soccer, and still do. I hear more and more Americans calling soccer football, or, as some people title their podcasts, Futbol, and I wonder what you think the future is for the word “soccer” here in the US? Nearly all of the rest of the world calls it football/futbol, your podcast partner Chris usually calls it football even when talking about Major League Soccer, and so I’d love to hear if you think at some point the word soccer just disappears and we add a clarifying word in front of “football” to define which one we are talking about or if “soccer” is here for the long hall?
Hey Grant, we’re you surprised that Joe Scally was selected? I thought he was a bit unfairly ignored by Gregg, and next thing I know; he is on the plane to Qatar. Personally, I am pleased. He can play.
Let's assume, for the sake of argument, that Zimmerman and Dest are as good as Fulham's RBs and RCBs. What's the statistical record of the English and Welsh forwards against Ream and Jedi the last several seasons?
1. Will Landon be joining you and Chris for post-game podcast analyses? Or is his gig with Fox going to keep him tied up? BTW If Landon is not available, I'm happy to sub for him.
2. Which opponent between Wales and Iran will be most worrisome for the US? Both in terms of personnel but style of play. Wales seems to not care about possession and are happy to nick a goal and win 1-0. And I'm not super familiar with Iran's style or player pool.
Is Gregg going more pragmatic with this roster? I was surprised at a few inclusions because they are more practical than I expected from him rather than idealistic.
No player on the squad has flown under the radar more than LDT, and I'm curious as to why. All the things GGG says he looks for - especially recent good form - don't seem to apply to him (because he's barely played for Celta!) What am I missing? Is our midfield depth that weak? I'm not saying I don't think he belongs (I don't know). I just don't understand how he never even seems to come up in roster discussions when he objectively does not meet the criteria that seems so important in the selection of oft-debated keepers, strikers, and defenders.
With Barcelona's shirt sponsor deal with Spotify that allows them to honor particular artists, and the rumor of an upcoming Shakira jersey, do you think this had any effect on the abrupt timing of the Pique stepping away announcement?
What is to stop the USMNT from doing what the NBA did post-George Floyd and using the jersey names to instead highlight messages of justice, eqaulity, anti-corruption etc?
How deep is this USMNT World Cup roster compared to rosters in 2014, 2010, 2006 and 2002? Is this the deepest roster in terms of talent and will that depth benefit the team in the group stage?
GB was pretty clear that Pefok would have been the selection if he'd kept the hot hand. But he cooled off and Wright stayed hot. Pefok and Wright fill the same niche on the team, so they just went with the guy who was in form.
My soccer opinions are worth exactly what you're paying for 'em, but I have three thoughts. One is that a hot hand is a hot hand, wherever you play (and cold is cold). Two is that being the (second) leading scorer in a league with as much talent as Turkey's is pretty darn good. The third is based on an article I read 2-3 months ago that said players coming from the Bundeliga to the EPL had a pretty big dropoff. Your guess is as good as mine, but it's sure fun to speculate!
It feels to me that GGG has definitely been listening to the social media and mainstream media noise based upon the roster that was released yesterday. What do you think?
Grant,
Can you shed some more light on the connection between Haji Wright, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, etc. and the US development academy?
I sharply remember Pulisic speaking so glowingly of Wright around that Morocco friendly, because (as a new fan) he was completely off my radar. That, coupled with the fact that CP gave him that penalty, left me with the sense that this was a guy (Wright) those academy-linked players not only liked, but felt belonged right alongside them at the core of the USMNT.
As a result, I feel like Wright's inclusion on the team was Gregg making a nod to those core players, and delivers a "the boys are back together" energy that could produce inspired play at the WC.
What exactly is Wright's relationship with CP, McKennie, Adams, etc? Is he someone they rate higher than perhaps the public consensus?
I was thinking the same thing.....
Nice insight, Pete.
Hey Grant. I'm sure you're going to get a lot of variations of this question, but here's mine: What the heck happened with Steffen? Part of me wonders if Steffen knew he wouldn't be GK1 and walked away. That seems hard to believe...who wouldn't want to go to a World Cup, even if you don't see playing time...but it just feels like something happened behind the scenes that had nothing to do with form or injury. What's your sense?
Agree 100% Matt.
Thinking about broad segments of the team (Goalie, defense, midfield, forwards, depth), which worries you the most?
Holy smokes, am I excited for the WC! I'm really appreciating your quick-takes and podcasts. Can't wait to soak it all up.
What kind of crowd atmosphere should we expect at this WC? Specifically for the three US matches, is it going to be a raucous US/opponent split or a subdued crowd of wealthy neutral fans?
If Christian Pulisic is looking for a move during the January transfer window, what teams would be best for his career, balancing playing time/impact vs level of club?
I came with a similar question, but on a more broad level. Do we see more overreactions from clubs on World Cup performances in the January window, or are players (especially ones already at good clubs ala Pulisic) going to stay put due to such little break in-between everything?
How hot is Andonovski's seat? What will it take for him to be let go and is it too close to next year's WWC for them to change the coach? It's been three years, and I still don't know the identity/tactical approach of his USWNT team.
Hi Grant,
I’m not sure I understand the significance of Brenden Aaronson being listed as a midfielder. Twellman called it out during the reveal show, and I believe you commented on it as well. Is this suggesting Aaronson might be used more centrally? It’s hard to imagine him being favored over MMA, but perhaps in addition as an attacking mid or false 9? That seems a bit exotic for Berhalter but would help get our best players on the pitch at the same time. What are your thoughts?
Hey Grant! As a fellow podcaster (Footy Travelers Podcast) with nowhere near your incredible experience and expertise, I'm curious how you plan to continue giving voice to the issues in Qatar AFTER the World Cup champion has been crowned. After the stadiums have emptied, and after the influx of soccer fans and travelers have all left. The World Cup is carrying on. There is no federations-backed boycott happening (would be an incredible surprise if they've been able to keep it secret for this long). How do we not forget the people who suffered or were wronged making this World Cup happen once the spectacle is over and our attention has moved on?
Hey Grant listened to the pod discussion on the #9. Is there any chance we don't see a true #9, and instead see 3 of Pulisic, Reyna, Weah, Aaronson?
Yes, I've also been pondering this...
Is it me, or do the centerback selections seem like GB is preparing to shift his defensive approach? Seems to me that CCV and Ream are completely different players from Zimmerman and Long, and from kind of players he had been bringing in (like Mackenzie).
Why do you think Steffen was left off of the roster entirely? Does it seem as though the coaching staff favored Horvath over him as the backup, or more that culture-wise they didn’t believe he could handle being the #2 without becoming a disruption?
Must be the latter of the two here Nick - else he would simply be down to #3 on depth. I think the real question we will not learn anytime soon is if he was offered to be back-up and simply refused. That appears most logical to me since to fall to #4 on depth from #1 without injury makes no sense.
Grant,
Should players that are looking to get themselves in a “right” situation to be chosen for the next World Cup think twice about jumping to Europe? Pepi took the jump on advice from GGG. He was killing it as a 9 for FCD. It seems like Pepi took the challenge, overcame struggles, then sees his replacement as a 9 at FCD take his WC spot. Pepi would have likely had a better year than Ferreira in that same spot with FCD over the last year.
Also, will this Pepi decision affect the decisions of other US/Mexico dual nationals in the future?
Who’s the biggest name that’s getting snubbed on a title contender?
How many will avoid playing this weekend at all costs? (Don’t even try to tell me Lewandowski’s red wasn’t 100% intentional.)
I keep seeing discussion of possible changes to the MLS playoffs as having to do with the Apple TV deal. Do you think that’s it? Or is it about having more high-attendance games for the ticket revenue?
Hi Grant, Now that the women have lost their third straight friendly in a row, it might be worth an examination of what is wrong
If this was a traditional 23 man World Cup squad, who do you think are the 3 players that would not have made the team?
Two questions:
1. What are your thoughts on the potential of the other three Concacaf teams this WC?
2. If the USA were to make a good run/play well, how much do think it would grow the popularity of the sport in the US?
I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, but it feels like the USMNT is coming into this WC with a lot of uncertainty and poor results. What kind of odds would you give on Berhalter losing his job if the USA fails to make it out of the group stage?
(Insert C-3PO-we’re-doomed.gif)
Hi Grant. What are you most looking forward to during your time in Qatar?
Hi Grant, what strategy gives the US the best chance possible against England? This is an England side low on confidence and belief, with some players out of form but still favoured. There is surely a chance that an attacking approach is the best here, especially given England's riches-to-rags issues at full-back. Surely the US have a great chance here, unless they adopt a low block that may end up handing confidence to a faltering England side? Thanks m
seeing Steven Caldwell here on TSN pick Portugal-Brazil to make the finals, I wonder if Portugal-Argentina is more likely than we think as a final. Imagining the implications of a Messi versus Ronaldo final in whatever role that they would have just boggles the mind.
Does Greg call the guys who don't make the team? How do they find out? Who is your starting striker?
As someone who grew up playing the sport in the US in the 1980s and 90s, I called it soccer, and still do. I hear more and more Americans calling soccer football, or, as some people title their podcasts, Futbol, and I wonder what you think the future is for the word “soccer” here in the US? Nearly all of the rest of the world calls it football/futbol, your podcast partner Chris usually calls it football even when talking about Major League Soccer, and so I’d love to hear if you think at some point the word soccer just disappears and we add a clarifying word in front of “football” to define which one we are talking about or if “soccer” is here for the long hall?
Hey Grant, we’re you surprised that Joe Scally was selected? I thought he was a bit unfairly ignored by Gregg, and next thing I know; he is on the plane to Qatar. Personally, I am pleased. He can play.
Let's assume, for the sake of argument, that Zimmerman and Dest are as good as Fulham's RBs and RCBs. What's the statistical record of the English and Welsh forwards against Ream and Jedi the last several seasons?
Two Questions:
1. Will Landon be joining you and Chris for post-game podcast analyses? Or is his gig with Fox going to keep him tied up? BTW If Landon is not available, I'm happy to sub for him.
2. Which opponent between Wales and Iran will be most worrisome for the US? Both in terms of personnel but style of play. Wales seems to not care about possession and are happy to nick a goal and win 1-0. And I'm not super familiar with Iran's style or player pool.
Is Gregg going more pragmatic with this roster? I was surprised at a few inclusions because they are more practical than I expected from him rather than idealistic.
No player on the squad has flown under the radar more than LDT, and I'm curious as to why. All the things GGG says he looks for - especially recent good form - don't seem to apply to him (because he's barely played for Celta!) What am I missing? Is our midfield depth that weak? I'm not saying I don't think he belongs (I don't know). I just don't understand how he never even seems to come up in roster discussions when he objectively does not meet the criteria that seems so important in the selection of oft-debated keepers, strikers, and defenders.
Hi Grant, which will be a bigger miss in Qatar? USA not calling up Pepi, or Mexico not calling up Santi Gimenez?
Who is your longshot WC contributor for the US?
Grant... tell it to me straight. Is Messi gonna win the world cup with Argentina this year??
Which players left off the WC roster are most likely to get called if someone is injured this weekend?
Aaronson at midfield instead of Reyna seems off. Is GB smoke-screening the good people of Wales?! Seems it should be a flip flop there.
Which person on USMNT will have their status rise as a result from the World Cup? I don’t think it’s Pulisic.
I think it will be Jedi and Musah.
With Barcelona's shirt sponsor deal with Spotify that allows them to honor particular artists, and the rumor of an upcoming Shakira jersey, do you think this had any effect on the abrupt timing of the Pique stepping away announcement?
Do you think Napoli can go deep into the Champions League? They’re very entertaining.
Is there anything off the pitch you're looking forward to in Qatar?
And a non-WC question: Which Champions League Round of 16 matchup are you most looking forward to?
who were the minority candidates interviewed by Dynao FC before hiring Ben Olsen? Or did they just pay the fine up front?
What is to stop the USMNT from doing what the NBA did post-George Floyd and using the jersey names to instead highlight messages of justice, eqaulity, anti-corruption etc?
How deep is this USMNT World Cup roster compared to rosters in 2014, 2010, 2006 and 2002? Is this the deepest roster in terms of talent and will that depth benefit the team in the group stage?
Do you anticipate any team wide overt protest at the WC regarding either human rights/LGBTQ issues or both?
Beyond rainbow armbands and muted kits.
Really curious to see Iran team and their protest of events back home. They would want to be seen as backing the women and not the rulers there.
Do you agree all games in Europe should be canceled this weekend to avoid more injuries before the WC?
Yes, but only where American players are involved. English and Welsh players should get out there and give it their all.
What exactly do you think that Jordan Pefok needed to do to be considered for this World Cup squad?
GB was pretty clear that Pefok would have been the selection if he'd kept the hot hand. But he cooled off and Wright stayed hot. Pefok and Wright fill the same niche on the team, so they just went with the guy who was in form.
Oh that does make sense. But what about the caveat that Pefok is playing against stronger opposition in Germany than Wright is in Turkey?
My soccer opinions are worth exactly what you're paying for 'em, but I have three thoughts. One is that a hot hand is a hot hand, wherever you play (and cold is cold). Two is that being the (second) leading scorer in a league with as much talent as Turkey's is pretty darn good. The third is based on an article I read 2-3 months ago that said players coming from the Bundeliga to the EPL had a pretty big dropoff. Your guess is as good as mine, but it's sure fun to speculate!
It feels to me that GGG has definitely been listening to the social media and mainstream media noise based upon the roster that was released yesterday. What do you think?
I'd be very surprised, if so. If he did that, he'd have no time or sanity left to actually coach the team ;-)