US almost sent lazy Reyna home during World Cup: “It’s a pity that this was brought out” | 2022 football world cup

In 4 years, the United States wants to shine at the World Cup in its own country, but there is still some work to be done in the coming years. The team of coach Berhalter lost in Qatar in the 1/8th finals against the Netherlands.

But first the coach will have to focus on putting out a fire in the group of players. Berhalter started the fire himself by telling a story about his player group at a conference. “During the last World Cup there was a player who did not reach the desired level, on and off the field,” he said. “We then consulted with the staff and were actually ready to put him on a plane home.”

Berhalter did not name names, but various media quickly knew that he was talking about Reyna. The Borussia Dortmund player had only a limited role in Qatar. “The player then apologized to the entire group and the other players told him that they wanted to see change. That he did not meet their expectations,” the national coach said.

After the hoopla, Reyna has responded on Instagram herself. “I am sorry to have to do this,” he writes. “I think that what happens in a team should be kept indoors. But this is about my character and my professionalism, so I want to say something.”

“Before the World Cup, the coach told me that my role in the tournament would be very limited. I was devastated. Football is my passion, my life. I expected that I would be able and allowed to help my country.”

And then he hits mea culpa. “I am an emotional person and I admit that I was not in control of my emotions at the time. That had an impact on my training work and on my behavior for a few days. But I apologized to the team and the coach for that. I thought they had forgiven me. From then on I gave everything on and off the field.”

“It is therefore a pity that those stories are now coming out. I am surprised that the coach cooperated in that. He always said that problems should be kept inside. I love my team and my country. I now want to focus on my own growth as a player and person so that we can play a great tournament with the US in 2026.”