Tyler Adams Responds To Criticism Of Mauricio Pochettino Over AC Milan Links
With the USMNT set to play their World Cup debut match against Paraguay in two weeks, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino is once again linked to a manager position at a club.
Pochettino is now linked to the AC Milan job after the Italian club is looking to replace Massimiliano Allegri, who was sacked and is expected to join Napoli.
With Pochettino now linked to AC Milan, the USMNT head coach has faced criticism from fans and former national team players.
Former USMNT player Herculez Gomez expressed their disappointment with Pochettino being linked with another club while he is head coach of the USMNT.
Gomez wrote on X, "He [Pochettino] was always planning to leave, despite what he may have said before. Not the first time he's thrown his hat into the ring while managing the USMNT. This is a terrible look, even the Pochettino apologist would have to admit it."
There are a few truths here.
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) May 28, 2026
1) He was always planning to leave, despite what he may have said before.
2) Not the first time he's thrown his hat into the ring while managing the #USMNT.
3) This is a terrible look, even the Pochettino apologist would have to admit it. https://t.co/DN8O3uJb1o
Tyler Adams' Response to Pochettino Backlash
Following reports that Pochettino was a candidate for the AC Milan job while serving as USMNT head coach, Tyler Adams gave his thoughts on the links.
The USMNT midfielder defends Pochettino and reveals that the head coach is focused on the team as the World Cup gets closer.
Adams defends his links by revealing that players also deal with similar situations at club level, but that the main goal for players and Pochettino is the World Cup.
Adams said, "Our focus has to be here, on the World Cup. There's [players] in contract situations right now that have to figure out what to do, either before the World Cup [or] after the World Cup - it's gonna be the same deal with coaches. He [Pochettino] is fully present with us every single day, finding ways to make us better, focusing on the training, just as we are."
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This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 8:34 AM.