Mauricio Pochettino on absent Christian Pulisic: 'Players cannot dictate the plan'

SAN JOSE, Calif. — By now, you may have heard that Christian Pulisic isn’t with the U.S. men’s national team preparing for the Concacaf Gold Cup, which the Americans kick off on Sunday against Trinidad and Tobago (coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET on FOX).

But before and after the USMNT went through its final pre-tournament training session on Saturday, Pulisic’s absence continued to be a hot topic. 

For the uninitiated, Pulisic asked not to participate in the Gold Cup because of fatigue following two grueling seasons with Italian club AC Milan. That decision was roundly criticized by a number of former U.S. legends, most notably Landon Donovan.

On Thursday, Pulisic finally explained his reasoning during an interview with CBS Sports, and revealed that he wanted to play in this month’s two pre-Gold Cup exhibitions versus Türkiye and Switzerland. Pochettino, who wanted to use the same squad all summer, turned him down.

"That’s the coach’s decision," Pulisic said. "I fully respect that. I didn't understand it, but it is what it is."

During his pregame press conference on Saturday, I asked Pochettino about Pulisic’s comments. The former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur manager didn’t hold back.

"Players don’t need to understand," Pochettino said. "Players need to listen and to stick with our plan. They cannot dictate the plan.

"He explained why he only wanted to be involved in two games and not the Gold Cup, and I respect that," added Pochettino. "I understand him. But I do need that he understands our decision.

"When I signed my contract with the [U.S. Soccer] Federation, I am the head coach. I am not a mannequin."

Pulisic also told CBS, whose parent company produces a documentary series on him, that he hasn’t