What’s inside this week’s edition of Footy Fix…?
Brian Schmetzer got emotional after the Leagues Cup win.
Herculez Gomez called out Mauricio Pochettino.
Charlie Davies questioned the latest USMNT squad.
Joe Scally said being omitted from the USMNT is upsetting,
Eric Wynalda slammed Landon Donovan.
Let’s get to the action!
Brian Schmetzer Got Emotional After Leagues Cup Win
Brian Schmetzer first joined Seattle Sounders as a 17-year-old in 1980. Fast forward to 2025, he’s won them two MLS cups, one CONCACAF Champions League, and now the Leagues Cup as head coach. He said he will reflect on this in a few years time, but right now, he is enjoying his life and is happy his family is watching.
Our take on the situation: Schmetzer’s story is incredible. He had never coached in top flight prior to 2016. He got promoted from being an assistant and now, nine years later, he’s won so much with hometown team Seattle Sounders.
Has Mauricio Pochettino Done His Homework?
Herculez Gomez Called Out Mauricio Pochettino
Herculez Gomez isn’t happy with Mauricio Pochettino. He doesn’t think the Argentine has sat there and watched tape of the USMNT’s performances in the previous cycle. He also doesn’t think the coach has any idea on what the roster construction of the USMNT should look like.
Our take on the situation: He’s not wrong. Pochettino’s call-ups have been bizarre and he is ignoring many players that have proven themselves in the USMNT and playing in top European leagues. Let’s see if he has any idea what he’s doing.
“I Worry About Exactly What Kind of Message Pochettino is Sending by His Selection of MLS Players who Few People, if Any, were Clamoring for.”
Charlie Davies Questioned the Latest USMNT Squad
Charlie Davies doesn’t like that Mauricio Pochettino is still tinkering with his roster when the World Cup is less than a year away. And he questions the selection of many MLS players. In his time, he went off to Europe to improve himself and get into the USMNT. So he worries if this is sending players a wrong message.
Our take on the situation: Davies is spot on. Many of these MLS players aren’t good enough for the top level, that’s why they are in MLS. Pochettino is sending a message that playing in a lower level is still good enough for him.
“To Miss Out on the Gold Cup And This Camp, iI’s Upsetting.”
Joe Scally Talks About Being Omitted from the USMNT
Joe Scally continues to be a starter in the German Bundesliga. However, his place in the USMNT is disappearing under Mauricio Pochettino. The right-back spoke about being upset after Pochettino continues to omit him from the squad.
Our take on the situation: It’s sad that no matter how good Scally is playing for his club, he is getting ignored by Pochettino. Being overtaken by a young kid from MLS like Alex Freeman must hurt Scally.
“It’s Actually Difficult to Take You Seriously.”
Eric Wynalda Slams Landon Donovan
Landon Donovan has been highly critical of Christian Pulisic, and Eric Wynalda doesn’t like that. He called him out, especially when Donovan didn’t test himself at the high-level for a long period of time and stayed mostly in MLS. Wynalda says Donovan seems jealous of Pulisic.
Our take on the situation: Wynalda has a point. Donovan seems unfair towards Pulisic despite Pulisic’s achievements both for club and country, and he hasn’t even hit his prime years yet. Donovan might really be jealous of what Pulisic is doing in Europe.
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