Recently, U.S. national team coach Pochettino responded to Crystal Palace coach Glasner’s dissatisfaction with Richards’ use. He said that the national team handled Richards’ injury very well and the players played without any problems.
Pochettino hit back at criticism from Crystal Palace coach Glasner, with the two having differences over the conflict of interest between the club and the national team. The dispute stems from the use of Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards in the U.S. national team's friendly matches against Ecuador and Australia last month. Glasner is furious that Pochettino ignored advice from Premier League clubs to rest Richards. Although Richards was injured, he played the full 90 minutes in both games.
Glasner said in an interview: "My only complaint is that the US team did not communicate with us because Chris Richards' calf has been bothering him for several weeks. We told them that he should rest because it was only a friendly game. But they let him play two games each. It was a bit disappointing to play the whole game. On the other hand, we tried to manage his minutes here."
Richards subsequently missed Crystal Palace's Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool with a calf injury, but returned in Saturday's 2-0 win over Brentford. Pochettino admitted that as a coach he understood both sides' positions. He told talkSPORT: "It's difficult for the coach because I've been in this situation in the past. When you are the manager of a club, you are always selfish and don't think about the national team and sometimes you think you have the right to say things that are not right." Because he is ready to play and there is no problem. I think the coach of the club needs to understand the mood of the players who want to play for the national team. We only have this window to prepare for the World Cup, and for me, these are not friendly games, but for more important things, not just playing for the flag."
Pochettino also expressed his reaction to Glasner's remarks. Disappointment: "I'm disappointed with these words, I'm disappointed because we always respect the players and the clubs. Our medical team is in contact with all the clubs that have our players and we will make the best decision for the players." But I also hope that one day he can be in my shoes and understand this situation."
Crystal Palace is not the only club unhappy with the October international break. AC Milan has also criticized the US national team for still playing Pulisic against Australia despite his injury. He has been sidelined with a new injury since last month's international break.