Giovanni Reyna, once a leading prospect for the World Cup in 2022 representing the United States, stated that he would approach the earlier team conflict involving then-coach Gregg Berhalter differently today. His current focus is on securing a spot for the 2026 World Cup team.
At 22 years old, Reyna is looking to revive a career plagued by injuries and overshadowed by controversy stemming from his perceived training effort during the World Cup. He expressed that, while his actions in 2022 were driven by frustration, the issue was not entirely his or his family’s fault.
In a recent interview with The Associated Press at his new club, Borussia Mönchengladbach, the attacking midfielder emphasized his commitment to use the current season to prove himself to U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino.
“I think about the World Cup quite often, as it’s a place I want to be,” he mentioned. “However, I’m trying to focus on the present, working hard every day, and trusting that things will work out.”
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Reyna played only twice as a substitute. Following the tournament, Berhalter revealed that an unnamed player, later identified as Reyna, was nearly sent home due to perceived lack of effort in training.
Reyna’s parents, both former national team players, advocated for more playing time for Gio and raised concerns with the U.S. Soccer Federation regarding an old domestic violence allegation tied to Berhalter.
When asked if he would handle things differently if given the chance, Reyna replied, “In some ways, yes, but I’m not going to take all the blame for something that I believe was not solely my fault, nor was it just my family’s.” He attributed the tensions to dissatisfaction with his playing time.
“Ultimately, I was frustrated because I wasn’t playing. I was in good form at Borussia Dortmund, and I wanted to contribute in the World Cup. It was disappointing that I couldn’t,” he explained.
Expressing that the incident feels distant now, he said, “Looking back, I just wanted to play and help my country. It’s in the past, and I prefer not to dwell on it any longer.”
Reyna is viewing his time at Gladbach as an opportunity to rebound and earn back his place on the national team. Joining forces with his U.S. teammate and friend Joe Scally has added to his excitement.
Injuries have hindered Reyna’s ability to find momentum; in his last three years at Dortmund, he largely played as a substitute and faced time on loan at Nottingham Forest, followed by limited appearances last season.
Since his last full 90-minute league match in March 2022, Reyna has made only one appearance for the U.S. following the 2024 Copa América. Fitness concerns have limited him to just four out of eight Bundesliga fixtures at Gladbach this season.
Still, Reyna finds his current role coming off the bench “better than how things were for me last season.” With just four scheduled friendlies for the U.S. before their pre-World Cup training camp, he recognizes his main chance to impress lies with Gladbach.
“Pochettino made it clear: ‘You need to play and perform to get back in the picture,'” Reyna noted. “Now, it’s all on me.”
While Dortmund is renowned for nurturing young talent, Reyna reflects on whether he should have sought more playing time sooner. “Initially, I felt it was a good decision to stay, but ultimately, it didn’t work out as planned.”
Throughout five years, Reyna has battled at least eight significant injuries, primarily involving soft tissue and muscle issues, along with a leg fracture.
“I’ve learned a great deal about my body,” Reyna remarked. This understanding has led him to approach fitness as an ongoing dialogue with his athletic trainers while also managing the mental challenges of setbacks.
“The first couple of days after an injury are always tough. There’s no denying that,” he admitted. “What I’ve learned is to push through the initial pain and move forward onto rehabilitation with determination.”
Taking on additional responsibility both on and off the field, Reyna aims to realize his potential as a player:
“I hope to look back in the next few years and see this as a pivotal period for me,” he shared. “But it’s not enough to speak about it; I need to turn these words into actions.”