""I didn't call him up to give him a chance to recover 100% and be ready to play. It's a matter of common sense. We never put players at risk," he said."
""He played against Australia because he felt really good and because all the assessments of our doctors and medical staff were correct, and the player agreed with us. He didn't play the first match against Ecuador because he arrived with a problem he had, once again, with his club in Italy. That's why. We care about him. But that can happen when you play. There's always a risk when you play.""
""They have no reason to complain. People say, 'It's a friendly,' but no, that's wrong. We're not playing friendlies. We're playing matches to prepare for the next World Cup. Otherwise, we'd only be playing against the Under-20s""
Mauricio Pochettino opted not to call up Christian Pulisic to allow full recovery from a muscle problem and ensure readiness to play. Pochettino said the decision followed medical assessments and the player's agreement in other instances and reflected common-sense management that avoids exposing players to unnecessary risk. Pulisic featured against Australia but missed the Ecuador match after arriving with an issue connected to his club. Pochettino also referenced Chris Richards' injury and rejected club complaints, stressing that national matches prepare for the World Cup and carry significant responsibility. The choice lets the player continue club preparation ahead of a Milan derby.
Read at SempreMilan
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