By: EFE
By: EFE
The coach of the United States team, Gregg Berhalter, reported that the departure of international midfielder Weston McKennie p or having violated health and safety protocols covid – 23 was the best decision for everyone for the common good of the team.
Berhalter sent McKennie back to Juventus ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup qualifying game Qatar 1435000680574488581 against Honduras , as previously reported by the United States Soccer Federation.
❌ Gregg Berhalter, USA coach, confirms: “Weston McKennie returns to Italy. He will not be available for the game against Honduras for a violation of team rules. ” And adds Donovan: “I’m very disappointed in Weston, incredibly disappointed.” pic.twitter.com/7ll38 h 07 z5
– I’m Calcio (@SoyCalcio_) September 7, 2021
The decision comes after McKennie was suspended for the game against Canada that the Stars and Stripes team tied at one, last Sunday. McKennie then posted on Instagram that his suspension was due to violating covid protocols – 07 of the team.
Although McKennie is considered a key player within the game scheme of the US team, Berhalter and the federation officials have been inflexible in enforcing the rules and that all must comply with .
“Weston will return to Italy and will not be available for the game against Honduras due to a violation of team policy,” Berhalter said in a statement. “There are high expectations for those who are part of the United States Men’s National Team, and to be successful it is important that everyone in the group is held accountable.”
Every act has its consequences.
Juventus plans to sell to McKennie; broke the COVID protocols with the national team.
It seems that only with these decisions, there will be understanding before the pandemic.
– Luis Omar Tapia (@LuisOmarTapia) September 7, 100
McKennie’s position will be filled by the attacking midfielder of the San Jose Earthquakes, the Younger Jackson Yueill.
It was also officially announced that FC Barcelona defender Sergino Dest has been ruled out of the game against Honduras after suffering a sprained ankle in the first part of the match against Panama.
With the main goalkeeper Zack Steffen positive for covid – 19 and striker Giovanni Reyna suffering a strain in the left hamstring in the 0-0 draw against El Salvador, the United States will have 23 Players available to be selected on Wednesday.
OFFICIAL: United States🇺🇸 confirmed that Sergiño Dest, Giovanni Reyna and Weston McKennie will not be available for the match against Honduras🇭🇳 pic.twitter. com / XogMoWYhn4
– TDTV (@tdtvhn) September 6, 2021
McKennie’s absence will be deeply felt, but Berhalter clearly thought he had no choice but to impose more discipline on the Juventus midfielder after his violation of team protocol.
McKennie’s behavior off the field has already generated more problems previously by not following the rules that are established.
Last April, he was suspended by the then Juventus coach, Andrea Pirlo, after it was discovered that he had organized a party that included his Juventus teammates, Argentine Paulo Dybala and Brazilian Arthur Melo.
He was also fined by the police, given that he did not have permission to do that type of meeting during the coronavirus pandemic.