Ricardo Pepi, the U.S. men’s national team striker, has said that he is ready to move forward with newly reappointed U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter and put the coach’s decision to not take him to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar behind him. Pepi was one of several U.S. players who were snubbed from the World Cup, which also included Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen. However, Pepi is looking forward to the future and the opportunities that it holds for him and the team, and is ready to put the past behind him.
Berhalter’s Rehiring
After Berhalter’s rehiring became official, he said that he had not spoken with Pepi or Steffen since the World Cup but would do so in the coming months. Berhalter made it clear that he wants the players competing in the Concacaf Nations League final against Canada to focus on the game and not let past issues affect their performance. Berhalter said that there were “a number of individuals that you want to speak with,” and that he would be rebuilding his relationships with the players in the coming months.
Pepi’s Performance in the Concacaf Nations League
Pepi has been in top form in the Concacaf Nations League, having scored a goal in the 3-0 semifinal triumph against Mexico. He will be looking to continue his impressive form in the final against Canada. The Reds have been a rising force in Concacaf in recent years and will be aiming to win their first trophy since the 2000 Gold Cup. Canada also took four points off the U.S. during World Cup qualification, when it finished top of the standings.
Berhalter’s Future Plans
Berhalter is not set to take over the U.S. team again until after the Concacaf Gold Cup finishes in July, and interim coach B.J. Callaghan will remain in charge until then. Berhalter has emphasized that he wants everyone to be aligned and focused on the team’s goals. He believes that the relationships between the players and the coach are crucial for the success of the team and that there will be time in the upcoming months to rebuild those relationships.
Ricardo Pepi is ready to move forward with Gregg Berhalter and put the World Cup snub behind him. He is looking forward to the future and the opportunities that it holds for him and the team. Berhalter is also focused on the team’s success and rebuilding his relationships with the players. The U.S. team will be looking to win the second straight Nations League, and Pepi is aware of the threat that Canada poses.
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