USMNT’s Giovanni Reyna has responded to statements about his efforts during the World Cup in Qatar via an official statement. National coach Gregg Berhalter told a US conference that he was considering sending the attacker home during the tournament. This has put the Borussia Dortmund player in trouble.
“At the last World Cup we had a player who clearly did not live up to our expectations, both on and off the field. It was 1 of the 26 players, so that stood out,” Berhalter said in New York. He would have meant Reyna. The 20-year-old winger is said to have annoyed his teammates and apologized after the United States players pointed out his behavior.
Berhalter revealed that he spent hours discussing with the technical staff to possibly send Reyna home. The fact that the national coach spoke so candidly about the situation just after the tournament did not go down well with the attacker. Reyna is now countering his coach via Instagram.
“I was hoping not to have to react to what happened at the World Cup,” Reyna opened his speech. “I believe that things that happen in a team setting should remain private. But I feel compelled to respond, because the things that have been said damage my image and character.”
Reyna writes about his pride and passion for the sport and explains to have an emotional character. Also after his apology the stocking would be finished. Due to Berhalter’s statements, this turned out not to be the case, the winger believes.
“I’m disappointed that this case goes on and on and very surprised that someone directly involved with the team is involved,” Reyna concludes. “Coach Berhalter has always said that the events surrounding the team remain private.”
Reyna hopes to be back at the World Cup in 2026. Then the global final tournament is in their own country. Together with Mexico and Canada, Team USA is the host.
