Landon Donovan blasts USMNT under Pochettino: ‘I’m tired of hearing…’

Landon Donovan, a legendary figure in American soccer with 157 caps, 57 goals, four Gold Cups, and 11 titles with the LA Galaxy, has voiced his strong disappointment following the USMNT’s performance in the CONCACAF Nations League.

The team’s failure to win the competition for the first time in its history, culminating in a fourth-place finish after losses to Panama and Canada, prompted sharp criticism from Donovan. He questioned the commitment and national pride of several players. The team’s failure to win the competition has raised serious concerns about the team’s preparedness for the 2026 World Cup.

Donovan, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) expressed frustration with the current USMNT players, stating: “I’m tired of hearing how ‘talented’ this group of players is and all the incredible clubs they play for. If you’re not going to come and you don’t care about playing for your national team, reject the invitation. Talent is great; pride is even better.” His comments reflect a widespread sentiment among some fans regarding a perceived lack of commitment from certain players. The comments highlight the fans’ concerns and disappointments.

USMNT’s upcoming friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland

The USMNT will return to action on June 7th with a friendly against Turkey at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut. Three days later, they’ll face Switzerland at Geodis Park in Nashville.

Both Turkey and Switzerland will also play friendlies against Mexico, adding an extra layer of significance and anticipation to these upcoming matches. The matches provide an important opportunity for the team to assess its performance and to prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

The USMNT’s poor performance in the CONCACAF Nations League represents a considerable setback for coach Mauricio Pochettino. Despite the team’s potential, its recent performance has raised questions about the team’s future direction and the effectiveness of the coach’s overall strategy.