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Early on in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, people were baffled by the decision by USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter to leave wunderkind Gio Reyna out of the starting XI. Rumors about injuries were prevalent, as he had been dealing with some knocks. No real clarity was provided. After all, Reyna may be the USA’s most talented player and its most creative player in the midfield. That was something the Americans desperately needed, as they controlled matches but failed to produce enough chances.
But, on Sunday, over a week since the USMNT’s run ended with a 3-1 loss to The Netherlands, details came out that could help explain why he wasn’t among the starters.
Gio Reyna was almost sent home from the World Cup, according to The Athletic. Greg Berhalter admits an “unnamed player” had to apologise to teammates for his behaviour in Qatar. “We were ready to book a plane ticket home, that's how extreme it was… pic.twitter.com/U8CEXMEKGV
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) December 12, 2022
Yikes. Not a good look. Some other rumors also made it to the internet about the situation Sunday.
Apparently Gio Reyna and Tyler Adams had to be separated during training.
— USMNT 🇺🇸 (@USMNTTAKES) December 11, 2022
But, the most damning rumor for Gio was that the players had held a vote on whether he should be sent home or stay with the team.
Here’s the story I alluded to on the herd and talked more about on the podcast. One thing I didn’t reveal yet that isn’t in the story – the vote to send Reyna home was 13 stay, 12 go home 😳😳
Sources: US almost sent Reyna home from WC https://t.co/VqLpsLQkLk
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) December 12, 2022
Wow. That’s a close vote, and if it was true, would show widespread dissatisfaction with the team. But, it appears it may not be.
Taylor Twellman reports there was no such player vote around Gio Reyna
Taylor Twellman threw cold water on the story of a vote regarding Gio.
To clarify the story going around re: Gio
There was NO player vote taken regarding his status with the team. The storyline of “13-12” is wrong confirmed to me just moments ago.
There was a vote among the staff who worked for GB including fitness personnel & asst coaches.
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) December 12, 2022
He clarified with more details.
Since you think I got paid for the tweet. 😂😂
I’ve asked 3 different agents “did your players vote on Gio?!”
All 3 said “nope”.
All 3 did say “the leadership council may have had a say/vote but the storyline of all 25 players voting is categorically false. The staff voted.” https://t.co/z9Jfd1Qgt5— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) December 12, 2022
That makes things a little better for Gio. But, it seems like the USMNT has things to figure out before they bring the World Cup to home soil in 2026.