Napoli head coach Antonio Conte believes the team should treat their Champions League experience as a "school" and fully "absorb" the lessons it offers. He wants the club to carefully assess their position in the tournament, viewing this season's European campaign as a new journey. Conte has also called for patience, emphasising that the season will largely depend on how quickly the new players settle and integrate into the team.
Former national team star Alexi Lalas cast doubt on Ricardo Pepi’s chances of making the 2026 World Cup roster after the striker’s knee injury with PSV, noting that USMNT roster spots will only be more competitive - leaving injured players especially at risk of losing out as the tournament gets closer to kicking off.
Former USMNT star Landon Donovan is questioning the reliability of forward Ricardo Pepi and attacking midfielder Gao Reyna following their recent injury setbacks. The USMNT's all-time joint leading goalscorer suggested that availability issues could threaten both player’s roles in the national team under coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Former U.S. international Herculez Gomez says Ricardo Pepi's availability and fitness could be the deciding factors in whether the PSV Eindhoven striker secures the starting No. 9 role for the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup. The 22-year-old forward recently returned for the Dutch champions after recovering from knee surgery that sidelined him for several months.
Former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas is optimistic about the national team's striker situation following Ricardo Pepi's return from injury for PSV. Though Folarin Balogun established himself with a strong showing earlier this month, Lalas said Pepi's return to fitness and form provides crucial competition for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
U.S. international Ricardo Pepi got back to what he does best as he got his first two league goals of the season in PSV's 5-3 win over NEC Nijmegen. The 22-year-old scored the game's opening goal in the 12th minute before scoring again in the 49th minute.
PSV Eindhoven
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
