IRVINE, Calif. — If an alien were to land amidst a group of U.S. men’s national team players and utter the phrase “Take me to your leader,” the response would likely be a series of puzzled expressions. While some might suggest U.S. captain Tim Ream, a glance at the roster reveals a diverse array of leaders with varying styles and personalities.
Among them is midfielder Weston McKennie, known for his vibrant energy and knack for lightening the mood with humor. Then there are more outspoken leaders like midfielder Tyler Adams and defender Chris Richards, who aren’t hesitant to express their thoughts candidly to teammates. Then there’s Ream, at 38, the seasoned veteran who adeptly senses the team dynamics, frequently offering advice or encouragement to teammates in need. This is just a glimpse of the players showcasing leadership potential.
“There are so many guys in this locker room with the ability to lead and moments where they can step up,” Ream expressed in an exclusive interview with ESPN from the team’s training camp.
This variety contributes to a more egalitarian leadership atmosphere compared to previous eras, marked by the absence of a “Leadership Council” seen during the last cycle under former manager Gregg Berhalter, who primarily consulted a select few players. Ream has indicated that this comprehensive approach enhances communication within the team, minimizing the chance of crises because players feel their voices matter.
This was evident when Ream was appointed captain for the World Cup squad on May 30, as he promptly reached out to his fellow leaders with a clear message: just because he was captain didn’t mean he was the sole leader. He emphasized the importance of collaborative leadership.
“There’s just too much at stake,” Ream elaborated on his desire to depend on other leaders. “The dynamics are always shifting, so I want them to share their opinions. I want them to play a role as leaders that teammates can approach without solely relying on me.”
“So I made sure to say, ‘Hey, nothing really changes. I want everyone to feel comfortable speaking up. Just because I’ve been named captain doesn’t mean anything shifts. You know that.’ I need them to help me be the eyes and ears, maintaining fluid dynamics in our interactions,” he added.
Leveraging Experience
Having players like Adams, McKennie, and Richards, who have captained teams before, definitely bolsters the squad’s leadership. Their extensive experience with the USMNT has afforded them the platform to voice their thoughts and lead, regardless of official titles.
“I genuinely believe that with the chemistry we’ve developed within the group, anyone could don the captain’s armband,” McKennie remarked to reporters ahead of the team’s friendly against Senegal. “To me, the captaincy is basically just a symbol for who the referee communicates with.”
This sentiment rings true as, during a match against Türkiye, McKennie took the armband when Ream was on the bench. However, anyone who witnessed the pre-match press conference leading into the U.S. vs. Iran fixture at the 2022 World Cup can attest that captains often find themselves in unexpected roles.
During that media day, Adams and Berhalter faced a barrage of inquiries from Iranian journalists concerning a controversial social media post by USSF that altered elements of Iran’s flag, discrimination in the U.S., inflation, and travel regulations between the U.S. and Iran. Adams faced criticism from an Iranian reporter for mispronouncing “Iran.”
Demonstrating diplomatic finesse, Adams gracefully acknowledged his mistake, helping to mitigate the tension.
“I’m glad I don’t have to deal with that anymore,” Adams told ESPN while collaborating with Nike for a mini-pitch rededication in Poughkeepsie, New York, close to his hometown of Wappingers Falls. “I believe in addressing everything directly and honestly. People know I’m quite straightforward. I wasn’t really unsettled by the situation; I draw from my experiences to respond candidly.”
This straightforwardness extends to his team interactions as well.
“Whether I have the armband or not, I motivate and hold players accountable. That’s my character and how I lead,” he mentioned. “Having someone reliable in any situation is crucial for ensuring that the right messages are conveyed.”
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Burley criticizes the ‘stupid’ reaction to Pochettino’s changes to the USMNT.
‘Avoiding Arrogance’
Though the U.S. boasts several capable leaders, the captaincy now rests with Ream, a role he approaches with great respect. He’s determined that his position doesn’t elevate him above others; instead, he views it as a conduit between players and the various sectors of the USMNT, including coaching and medical staff.
Ream found the captaincy to be “very unexpected,” as he hadn’t anticipated it, even though he had previously served as captain in some matches during Pochettino’s tenure. His past experience captaining Premier League team Fulham has made him comfortable voicing his thoughts, yet when Pochettino announced his captaincy, Ream couldn’t conceal a moment of surprise at the heartfelt gesture.
“I’m incredibly appreciative that [Ream] is with us, not just as an on-field captain but perhaps more importantly, as an off-field leader,” Pochettino stated while introducing Ream as captain. “He possesses the experience and capability to be the positive leader we need, reflecting that quality both on and off the field.”
With 16 years as a professional soccer player under his belt, Ream possesses a deep understanding of human dynamics. He has witnessed a full range of behaviors, allowing him to discern when to speak and when to remain silent.
“Pay attention to body language, eye contact, and the tone of voices—positive or negative. You can either build on positive sentiments or recognize negative energies and try to shift them with more uplifting communication,” he explained. “The ‘how’ matters as well because you want to avoid coming off as arrogant or all-knowing. You need to gauge who you’re interacting with and adjust accordingly.”
While the pre-game atmosphere usually involves loud cheers and motivating shout-outs, Ream prefers more subtle, private moments for his leadership exchanges.
“I don’t feel the need for everyone to witness my one-on-one chats or small group discussions,” he remarked.
However, in the heat of the moment during a game, waiting for a perfect opportunity to speak may not be feasible. Often, it’s a matter of acting promptly. But Ream assesses the situation to determine the most effective timing and messaging.
“If I see confusion or uncertainty in a teammate’s demeanor, that’s my cue to speak up. If there’s a focus evident, then it might be best to let things be,” he noted.
As the U.S. gears up for the round of 32 against Bosnia-Herzegovina, it’s clear that Pochettino and his coaching staff will be meticulously attuned to the team’s morale, just as the squad’s leaders will be.