The tension between current and former USMNT players has exploded into public view. Christian Pulisic, his father Mark, and teammate Tim Weah didn't hold back in the new "Pulisic" docuseries released on Paramount+ this week.
Pulisic blasted critics questioning the team's commitment, calling it "the biggest cop-out of all time." The AC Milan star clearly had enough of former players suggesting the current generation lacks heart.
Weah went even harder in his assessment. "I think those guys are chasing checks. And for me, I just feel like they're really evil," he said about former players-turned-pundits. He added that these same critics "didn't win anything either" during their playing days.
Family Affair: Pulisic's Father Joins the Fray
Mark Pulisic, Christian's father, didn't mince words either. "These guys want clicks. It's social media, it's 'subscribe to my channel, listen to my podcasts,'" he said in the docuseries.
He even suggested jealousy might be behind the criticism. "People want to be in his shoes, and they'll find any reason to bring him down. But Christian doesn't give a s*** about what anyone says."
The feud intensified after the USMNT's disappointing losses to Panama and Canada in March. Legends like Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey publicly questioned the team's pride and commitment.
Donovan was particularly vocal when Pulisic opted to skip this summer's Gold Cup. "I can't help but think about our guys on vacation, not wanting to play in the Gold Cup. It's pissing me off," he said during a broadcast.
World Cup Implications Growing
This public spat could have lasting effects as the 2026 World Cup approaches. The tournament, held on home soil, represents a massive opportunity for American soccer.
Team chemistry will be crucial for the USMNT's chances of making a deep run. Any lingering division between the team and influential media voices could create unnecessary pressure.
For bettors keeping an eye on the USMNT's long-term prospects, this situation bears watching. Teams dealing with external drama often struggle to perform at their best when it matters most.
Tyler Adams recently called the disconnect between generations "the strangest thing" in an interview with The Athletic. "It feels like any setback is treated like a disaster is happening," the midfielder noted.
His comments triggered another former player, Alexi Lalas, who called Adams' take "strangely immature, and naive, and weak."
The debate had quieted since the Gold Cup but is now reignited. With European seasons starting and USMNT friendlies against South Korea and Japan coming in September, expect this story to develop further.
New coach Mauricio Pochettino will announce his first roster in two weeks. His player selections might provide clues about how he plans to handle this growing generational divide.
