Portion of Tenorio’s article talking about Gio not trying. Spoiler What happened with Gio Reyna at the World Cup? According to multiple sources close to the team, Reyna showed an alarming lack of effort in training ahead of the U.S.’s opening match of the tournament against Wales on Nov. 21, including in a scrimmage against Qatari club Al Gharafa SC on Nov. 17. Reyna’s lack of intensity in the scrimmage — sources described him walking around throughout his time on the field during what was otherwise an intense session — caused significant frustration within the team. The lack of effort was so pronounced that it was unclear whether Reyna was protecting against an injury or just frustrated that he was not set to be a starter against Wales. The issues continued into the Wales game when Reyna threw his shin guards after not being subbed in, and then into a post-Wales training session in which Reyna’s lack of effort continued again. It prompted several veteran players to speak with Reyna. The sources said that the situation became untenable and that it had to be addressed multiple times, including with the coaching staff, until, finally, Reyna stood up before a video session and apologized to his teammates for his initial lack of intensity and said he understood he was part of a collective group. Both Berhalter and Reyna confirmed these issues. In his comments at the leadership conference, Berhalter said they were ready to send a player home for “a player clearly not meeting expectations on and off the field” and confirmed that the player eventually apologized to the team. In a statement he posted on Instagram, Gio Reyna confirmed some details as well, writing that after being told he would have a “limited role,” he “let my emotions get the best of me and 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. Thereafter, I shook off my disappointment and gave everything I had on and off the field.” In the investigation, Stewart also confirmed some of the details, telling investigators that, “coaches had concerns about Gio Reyna’s level of fitness for the first game because he was recovering from an injury. In addition, Mr. Stewart told us that Gio Reyna’s performance was poor during a scrimmage game because he ‘walk[ed] around, and mope[d] around the whole time.’ Mr. Stewart said although it looked like he might still be injured, he mostly ‘seemed ticked off’ and ‘did not appear to be trying at all.’ Mr. Stewart told us that Mr. Berhalter talked to Gio Reyna after that scrimmage to inform him that his effort was not satisfactory, and he needed to ‘adjust his mentality.’ However, Mr. Stewart said that Gio Reyna’s behavior continued for a couple of days of training even after the scrimmage and discussion with Mr. Berhalter. For example, Mr. Stewart said players were required to do sprints on training days after a scrimmage and ‘other guys were busting their tails doing the sprints’ while ‘Gio didn’t do anything.’ Mr. Stewart said this behavior continued after U.S. played in their first game at the 2022 World Cup.”
After reading that article on ESPN, I stand by my post WC thoughts that I do not want any Renyas around the usmnt in any capacity, ever again. Disgusting family.
I think you just need a director and coach who are strong and supported enough to tell Gio to get on board or you won't be included, and tell his parents they have zero say in the matter. if it doesn't work out, that's on them, but I don't think you can ignore the fact that the culture around the USSF empowered the family. all that said, we're probably not getting a huge culture shift so we'll see what more toxic shit we have to come.
I also fucking hate that the national team is run by such a loathesome group of assholes and broadcast almost entirely by an even worse group of assholes.
Interesting they just have Johnny Soccer and didn’t bring Acosta in as well to replace Tyler. Hopefully we get some Booth and Zendej-sauce action.
Looks like the USSF essentially have an agreement with MLS clubs to release players for the (non-FIFA date) Mexico friendly in exchange for not calling them into these matches. Which I wouldn’t be surprised then if Atlanta refused that, and why Miles is the only MLSer called in.
after seeing Miles' return these last 3 weeks I get why he hasn't signed his extension offer, somehow looks a half a step quicker even probably gonna get his chance in Europe on a free