Tim Howard: USA fans have ‘every right to be frustrated’ at Milan star Pulisic | OneFootball

USMNT legend Tim Howard says USA fans have ‘every right’ to be frustrated at Milan star Christian Pulisic, who was released by his national team before a 2-0 loss to Mexico.

Pulisic returned to Italy earlier than expected last week. It was not due to any injury but only to rest and limit his workload ahead of the next Serie A match against Udinese.

“Christian Pulisic left the squad to rejoin AC Milan and limit his workload. Fans have every right to be frustrated at such a crucial time,” USMNT legend Howard wrote in his latest column for the Daily Mail.

“Pulisic is our biggest player, our best player – and this was no normal USMNT camp. It marked the start of Pochettino’s reign and the countdown to the 2026 World Cup.

“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 look after his body.”

USMNT lost 2-0 to Mexico Tuesday night in Pochettino’s second game in charge of the team.

Pulisic assisted his Milan teammate Yunus Musah in USMNT’s 2-0 win over Panama on Sunday 13 but pulled out of the team after the match.

“Even if he is not playing, he should still be there – to create the culture and set an example,” insisted Howard, a former goalkeeper for Everton and Manchester United.

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 12: Serie A duo Christian Pulisic #10 of United States and Tim Weah #21 look on against Oman at Allianz Field on September 12, 2023 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)

“I have been a senior player and a big personality in the locker room. I demanded a lot of people and what I found? The moments to show your gravitas tend to come off the pitch.

“There were times when I was injured or on the bench. I had 100-odd caps by then but I would carry the water. Or I’d pick the kits up off the locker room floor, while players making their second or third appearance were in the shower.

“They were small gestures that carried an important message: when we’re in deep and I’m demanding something of you, it’s nothing I would not do myself.”

Pulisic has been Milan’s best player this season, with six goals and two assists in nine appearances across all competitions.

Despite their star’s brilliance, the Rossoneri have collected unconvincing results. They have 11 points in seven Serie A games and lost their opening two games in the Champions League.

Overall, Milan lost four games from nine across all competitions.