'Right to be frustrated' - Tim Howard questions decision for USMNT's Christian Pulisic to miss Mexico match, return to Milan

U.S. men's national team legend Tim Howard called out Christian Pulisic, new coach Mauricio Pochettino and U.S. Soccer for allowing the star player to return to his club at AC Milan and miss the USMNT's high-profile friendly against Mexico.

"Christian Pulisic left the squad to rejoin AC Milan and limit his workload. Fans have every right to be frustrated at such a crucial time," Howard wrote in his column for the Daily Mail. "Pulisic is our biggest player, our best player - and this was no normal USMNT camp. It marked the start of Pochettino’s reign and the countdown to the 2026 World Cup."

Howard finished his international career with 121 national team caps and is one of the best players in USMNT history. He pointed to several examples of how he served as a leader even when he didn't play. He called on Pulisic to at least be a presence within the locker room when he can't be on the pitch.

"That’s what makes a good leader," he wrote. "That’s when you build trust and culture. Not by leaving camp. But by supporting the team with words and actions."

Pulisic wasn't the only U.S. player who went back to his club early; Weston McKennie also went back for a similar reason, while Marlon Fossey, Zack Steffen and Ricardo Pepi all returned due to various injuries. After a 2-0 win over Panama in Pochettino's U.S. debut, the short-handed USMNT lost to Mexico 2-0 Tuesday night in Guadalajara, ending a 5-year unbeaten streak against their CONCACAF rivals.

Howard's criticism wasn't exclusive to Pulisic. He also called on U.S. Soccer and Pochettino to increase their influence on clubs abroad.

"Anybody who has been an international player knows the fight between club and country is real," Howard wrote. "This is not a Pulisic problem or an AC Milan problem. Every big player and every big team deals with it. It’s a constant tug of war."

He added, "But at some point Pochettino, Pulisic and the USA have to flex their muscles and tell Milan: This is how it’s going to go down. We need Christian - to play or just to be around."

Howard noted that U.S. Soccer has to be more proactive in its communications with clubs abroad, writing "These are normal conversations that happen between clubs and countries all the time. It's always a massive struggle. It’s a push and pull relationship that relies on building trust and earning credit in the bank.

"In a perfect world, a national team’s technical director would be in very close contact with clubs all around the world. It’s not about simply making demands. It’s about working together, bringing them over and showing them your setup."

He emphasized the need for upfront, two-way communication, writing "You don’t want clubs flying blind, trying to work out who is best to email. You have to build bridges and good grace. Only then will teams allow players to be seen by international doctors. Only then can you get your way when push comes to shove."

Pulisic is back in Milan and will return to action for the Rossoneri on Oct. 19 against Udinese.

The U.S. will return to action in Pochettino's first competitive match as national team manager when the Americans travel to Jamaica to face the Reggae Boyz in the Nations League quarterfinals on Nov. 14.