Former US Men's National Team (USMNT) manager Gregg Berhalter has come under fire for his recent comments about star player Christian Pulisic during the FIFA World Cup. After the U.S. advanced to the Round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Berhalter suggested that the team did not adequately position Pulisic for success, stating, "I don’t think there was enough intention to get Christian the ball in those (wide) positions." This remark has not been well received by fans, especially considering Berhalter's controversial tenure with the team.

Berhalter, who was dismissed after a poor showing at the 2022 World Cup and an even worse performance in the 2024 Copa America, has continued to voice his opinions on the current team's tactics under new manager Mauricio Pochettino. Many fans have expressed their discontent with Berhalter's critiques, pointing out that he had six years to implement his strategies but failed to achieve significant results.

One fan on social media remarked, "Yes, let’s ask the guy who was fired for being bad at his job what we should’ve done," highlighting the skepticism surrounding Berhalter's insights. Another fan added, "Gregg, respectfully, you had 6 years with this group and failed. Poch is doing something with this group you could never do. Let him cook." The criticism reflects a broader sentiment among supporters who believe that Pulisic's role within the team has evolved.

While Berhalter's comments imply that Pulisic should be the focal point of the U.S. attack, many argue that the emergence of players like Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman has alleviated some of the pressure on Pulisic. They contend that he is now part of a more balanced and effective offensive strategy, which sometimes requires him to play a decoy role. This shift in dynamics indicates a more collaborative approach to the team's attacking play, rather than relying solely on Pulisic's individual talent.

As the U.S. continues its journey in the World Cup, the focus will be on how the team adapts to the evolving roles of its players and whether they can capitalize on their strengths to advance further in the tournament.