It would not be the United States Men’s National Team without a drama-free cycle and as usual, they have not disappointed this time around after head coach Gregg Berhalter aired dirty laundry from the US dressing room at the 2022 World Cup involving Borussia Dortmund starlet Gio Reyna.
Reyna, US footballing royalty as the sun of former national team icon Claudio Reyna, has been billed as one of the best young talents ever to be inside the player pool but failed to be utilized this winter under Berhalter, leaving many to question why one of the most gifted players in the US arsenal was left to rot on the bench.
Berhalter had commented pre-tournament that Reyna was battling for fitness and that he would not feature earlier on, but the real situation has come to light in recent days after the US headmaster eluded to Reyna being a problem in the dressing room while nearly being sent home after he failed to remain professional in his responsibilities on the training pitch after his role in Qatar was to be limited.
As such, Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has come to the defense of the versatile attacking midfielder while commenting on his qualities on and off the pitch at club level.
BVB director Seba Kehl protecting Gio Reyna: “The reporting on Gio Reyna has surprised us a lot. We see him as a good guy who works professionally and is a valued member of the dressing room”, told DPA. 🇺🇸 #BVB
“The fact that this is now in question is incomprehensible for us”. pic.twitter.com/55HFCRXK1s
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 13, 2022
His statements come in the wake of Reyna releasing one of his own from his personal Instagram account (follow the link to read the statement in full), fully lifting the lid on what has seemingly transpired under Berhalter’s watch.
“I fully acknowledge that I let emotions get the best of me, affect my training and behavior for a few days after learning about my limited role. I apologized to my teammates and coach for this, and I was told I was forgiven.”
This issue rising to the surface, which is down to Berhalter’s inability to keep issues in-house, could lead to his stepping down rather than the USMNT program risking alienating one of their brightest future stars.
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