In an exclusive interview, U.S. attacker Giovanni Reyna expressed his gratitude for being called up to the national team, especially after a period of limited playing time with his club, Borussia Mönchengladbach. The 23-year-old forward is eager to contribute to the squad aiming for success in the upcoming World Cup, having made his initial appearance for the national team in 2022.
Reyna’s Challenges and Aspirations
Reyna’s recent seasons have been marked by challenges, including struggles with form and injuries. He began the current campaign strong, starting four consecutive matches before the winter break. However, after making two substitute appearances post-restart, he faced a short setback due to a muscle injury in late January. Since then, Reyna has not rejoined Gladbach’s starting lineup.
This year, Reyna has participated in just two matches, totaling a mere 26 minutes of playing time. His last appearance came on January 17 against Hamburg. As Mauricio Pochettino prepares the team for this summer’s World Cup, Reyna’s limited minutes have led to his unexpected inclusion in the squad for upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal.
Reyna Reflects on His Readiness
During a recent Zoom call with reporters, Reyna noted the importance of consistent play, admitting that such continuity has not been the case for him recently. Nevertheless, he expressed feeling fortunate and honored to regain the confidence of his coach, adding that he believes he is ready to make a significant impact should he be given the opportunity on the field.
Positive National Team Contributions
Reyna’s previous performances for the national team have showcased his talent. In the November matches, he scored the opening goal during the 2-1 victory over Paraguay and provided an assist in a commanding 5-1 win against Uruguay. This demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, reinforcing manager Pochettino’s faith in him—a sentiment that resonates with fellow teammates, who appreciate their strong rapport with the coach.
Navigating Past Challenges
Commenting on his selection, Reyna acknowledged that it was a challenging decision for Pochettino, a choice that, while potentially controversial, he was grateful for. He emphasized his affection for the team and the staff, reiterating his readiness to contribute, regardless of his lack of recent playing time.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
Reflecting on his personal growth and the team’s development since the last World Cup, Reyna mentioned lessons learned from their experiences. Despite controversial moments that arose during the tournament, including incidents that nearly resulted in his dismissal from the team, he has since moved forward. Notably, he was named the MVP of the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League.
Reyna remarked on the significant progress the team has made over the past four years, recognizing the collective growth of the players as they prepare for the future. Looking ahead, he is determined to apply these lessons in their upcoming campaign and is focused on achieving greater success this summer.
The United States is set to kick off their Group D journey against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
