Tyler Adams, a prominent figure in the United States men’s national soccer team, recently emphasized the team’s resolve to ignore criticisms from former players as they prepare for the upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup.
The national team has been facing scrutiny from legends like Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, both of whom are tied for the American goals record with 57 each, regarding the current roster and its performances.
Adams asserted in a Zoom interview that the team does not engage in discussions surrounding external criticisms. “The noise on the outside is the noise on the outside,” he noted. “I think we need to focus on what we need to do as a group and continue to build.”
Christian Pulisic, a key player for the U.S. team, has opted out of the June camp and Gold Cup to rest after a demanding two seasons, where he played approximately 120 games for both club and country.
Dempsey shared his perspective on the situation during a recent appearance on the ‘Men in Blazers’ podcast, expressing his confusion over Pulisic’s choice. “For me, I don’t understand it because that wasn’t my mentality. I always wanted to play in those games,” Dempsey stated, referencing previous tournaments he participated in without hesitation.
Additionally, Donovan was reflective while watching Portugal celebrate their victory over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final. He remarked, “I can’t help but think about our guys on vacation not wanting to play in Gold Cup.”
Currently, the U.S. team is enduring a rough patch, having lost four consecutive matches—their worst run since 2007—most recently suffering a substantial defeat of 4-0 against Switzerland.
Adams remained optimistic despite the recent struggles, declaring, “This is part of the process. You’re going to win games. You’re going to lose games. It’s about continuing to build that.” He believes the team is on the right path, highlighting the necessity of continued training and patience in achieving improvement.
Although Adams did not participate in the game against Switzerland due to a turf toe injury, he expressed confidence in his recovery ahead of the Gold Cup, where the Americans will commence their campaign against Trinidad and Tobago this Sunday.
He described his injury as more of an overuse issue that developed when he joined the national camp, stating, “Progressing well right now, but just trying to be smart and manage it.”
At 26 years old, Adams is looking to regain his past form after undergoing back surgery last July. He made his return to the pitch with AFC Bournemouth in October and participated in 28 Premier League matches during the season, recovering from earlier limitations caused by leg injuries.
Reflecting on his journey back to health, Adams said, “It’s definitely enjoyable when you’re healthy. The 16 to 18 months that it was just on and off inconsistency is something I never had in my career and never had to battle.” He expressed gratitude for the lessons learned during that challenging period and his newfound appreciation for every aspect of the game.
Under the guidance of new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the national team dynamic is also shifting. Adams acknowledged the increased freedom players have to position themselves in a way that enhances their performance, contrasting this with the more rigid structure of the previous coach, Gregg Berhalter.
“Mauricio gives the players freedom to find spots they’re comfortable in and see how they can affect the game in different ways,” Adams explained. He noted that while there is freedom, a structured approach to the game remains crucial, particularly for attacking players who can now explore different areas of the field to create opportunities.
Next week, Adams will join the U.S. team in Austin, Texas, for a matchup against Saudi Arabia on June 19. He is eagerly anticipating the release of the Premier League schedule for the 2025-26 season, aware of how experiences with Leeds and Bournemouth are shaping his career.
As the U.S. men’s national team faces criticism and tough matchups ahead, Adams’s focus will remain on team cohesion and utilizing both recent experiences and individual developments to foster a brighter future for the squad.
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