Reyna’s Redemption: Navigating Challenges on the Path to Success

For Gio Reyna, this represents a crucial opportunity to revitalize a career that has faced significant challenges. His tenure at Borussia Dortmund was marked by undoubted potential but plagued by injuries and limited playing time under six different managers, with only two providing him substantial chances. At just 23, Reyna has already faced skepticism about his future. His recent transfer to Borussia Monchengladbach resembles moves typically made in the twilight of a player’s career. However, there exists an alternate reality where Reyna could be preparing to join elite clubs like Bayern Munich or Manchester City, highlighting the non-linear nature of soccer development despite his undeniable talent.

Reyna’s struggles have often stemmed from intangible factors. He has faced injuries and was reportedly a difficult teammate, nearly facing exclusion from the 2022 World Cup camp in Qatar. While these issues should not be disregarded, the implicit understanding within the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) is one of forgiveness. In return, Reyna must capitalize on this chance. His playing time this season has been limited to just 150 minutes, and he has not contributed a goal for his country since October 2023. The current international friendlies, set against evenly matched opponents during a lull in the World Cup cycle when results are less critical, provide him with a prime platform to reassert himself.

This could mark the beginning of a redemption arc.

We could refer to this as the Pochettino doctrine. From the outset, the manager has emphasized that talent alone is insufficient; he demands unwavering commitment and effort. He rewards players who are willing to put in the hard work, regardless of their previous accolades. Pochettino seeks players who embody tenacity and spirit, prioritizing culture over individual pedigree. This approach has sometimes led to unexpected decisions, such as his response to Christian Pulisic’s hesitance to participate in the Gold Cup, which resulted in Pulisic being sidelined for both the tournament and friendlies.

Pochettino’s stance was clear: he values commitment above all. He doesn’t distinguish based on past achievements. This principle has extended to selection decisions, with talents like Yunus Musah and Weston McKennie facing exclusion due to lack of recent club play despite their capabilities.

However, Pochettino has identified Reyna as a unique case. He acknowledged, “There’s no doubt that he’s a special player. That is why we need to be open, and to provide.” For this singular 23-year-old, Pochettino is taking a risk, which raises eyebrows considering Reyna’s inconsistent national team history. Yet, it may also be entirely justified. At his best, Reyna showcases a fluidity and creativity that sets him apart as one of the most effective players available, second only to Pulisic.

Reyna possesses a rare maverick quality in modern soccer. While the U.S. has many reliable offensive options, Reyna’s unpredictable brilliance adds a layer of excitement and potential. He can be a game-changer, thriving in high-pressure situations where others may falter.

In this context, Pochettino appears to be making a calculated gamble. His decisions seem to be as much about the future as they are about the immediate challenges ahead. Pochettino does not require Reyna to perform flawlessly for 90 minutes every game but rather hopes for moments of brilliance that can potentially shine through in critical matches leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

“Gio is a young guy who is talented,” Pochettino remarked in an interview. “We cannot dismiss someone because of past behavior. We must always provide opportunities while expecting them to meet our standards.”

Starting Reyna may represent a significant risk, given his limited match fitness since transferring to Monchengladbach. His immediate value lies in his ability to impact games off the bench, making differences in short bursts. However, this is challenging to quantify, as success in football is often measured by goals and assists. Reyna may leave the pitch without any statistical contributions yet still perform in ways that impress coaches and fans alike.

At this point, Pochettino is refining his squad. He likely has a clear idea of his starting lineup, but he is searching for the right players to complement it. With the ability to make five substitutions in soccer, he must determine which players he can trust in high-stakes situations. Reyna’s performance in the coming matches will be crucial in establishing his place on the team.

Moreover, Reyna’s journey is compounded by public scrutiny. His maverick nature and controversial history make him a polarizing figure among fans, leading to heightened expectations and harsh criticism. His every move will be under the microscope, and the USMNT’s decision to keep him out of pre-match media sessions appears to be a strategic PR choice aimed at mitigating potential backlash.

Pochettino, on the other hand, is essentially rewriting his own guidelines by including Reyna in the squad. While injuries have influenced his decision, the depth of the player pool means he could have opted not to call Reyna up. Thus, he is taking a calculated risk with a player whose past has been fraught with controversy.

Pochettino’s experience managing high-profile players like Neymar and Kylian Mbappé lends him the confidence to handle Reyna’s complexities. He has navigated intense media scrutiny and transition periods at clubs like PSG and Chelsea, suggesting that Reyna’s challenges, while significant, are manageable. Ultimately, Pochettino recognizes the necessity of giving Reyna a chance; now it is up to Reyna to demonstrate his ability to seize it.