US Men’s National Team player Gio Reyna today criticized comments made by head coach Gregg Berhalter.
Reyna’s decision to speak publicly is in response to a leak of Berhalter’s speech he made last week at a leadership conference. Berhalter singled out only one player in his 26-man World Cup squad for his lack of commitment and bad attitude.
It was later revealed that the target of Berhalter’s criticism was Reyna, the talented 20-year-old creative midfielder.
Berhalter’s criticism of Reyna
Berhalter attributed the lack of playing time in the World Cup to some Reyna factors. Fitness was one, as was fitting into the system. However, the reason that grabbed the headlines was Reyna’s lack of commitment in training and during a practice run.
Furthermore, Berhalter revealed that it got so bad that he discussed and voted among his coaching staff whether to send Reyna home.
The player responded Monday to those criticisms. In some accounts, he admitted to his bad behavior, attributing it to his emotional nature as an athlete.
Gio Reyna responds to Gregg Berhalter’s accusations
Reyna’s lengthy Instagram post read as follows
“I was hoping not to comment on matters at the World Cup. I believe that things that happen in a team environment should remain private. With that being said, statements have been made that reflect my professionalism and character, so I feel the need to make a brief statement.
“Just before the World Cup, Coach Berhalter told me that my role in the tournament would be very limited. I was devastated. I am someone who plays with pride and passion. Soccer is my life and I believe in my abilities. I was hoping and desperately wanting to contribute to the game of a talented group. We tried to make a statement at the World Cup.
I am also a very emotional person and I fully recognize that I let my emotions take over and affect my training and behavior for a few days after learning of my limited role. I apologized to my teammates and the coach for this, and they told me that I was forgiven. From then on, I shook off the disappointment and gave everything I had on and off the pitch.”
Reyna went on to mention her surprise that this was out in the open.
“I am disappointed that there is continued coverage of this matter (as well as some highly fictitious versions of events) and extremely surprised that anyone on the US Men’s Team staff would contribute to it. Coach Berhalter has always said that any problems that arise with the team will stay “at home” so we can focus on unity and team progress. I love my team, I love representing my country, and now I’m just focusing on improving and growing as a footballer and as a person. I hope that in the future, every person involved in US Soccer will focus only on what is best for the men’s team so that we can enjoy great success at the World Cup in 2026.”
immediate reaction
Overall, this is a bad look for the US Men’s National Team. In Reyna’s name, it’s bad for a young player to act like he just got playing time instead of earning it. Of course, Reyna admitted the blame for him and added that his emotions got the better of him.
For Berhalter, there are a couple of major concerns regarding Reyna’s treatment. If the player knows that he will have a limited role in the World Cup, how can the coach expect the player to give his all? That is assigning value to something before understanding how valuable it is. Furthermore, the disclosure of private information that both the player and the team thought would be kept private shows carelessness on the part of the coach. US Soccer even issued a statement that Berhalter’s comments were off the record. Plus, Berhalter broke the “locker room rule” by talking about what goes on inside the inner sanctum.
Reyna, a 20-year-old whose father played well for the national team, showed more restraint in taking the high road than Berhalter did in this regard. With Gregg Berhalter’s contract renewal discussions underway, it should be interesting to see how this debacle affects his outlook. Reyna seems to have no intention of missing out on the 2026 World Cup when it comes to playing at home.
PHOTO: IMAGO/ANP
