Gio Reyna, despite his recent struggles for game time at Nottingham Forest, faces no added pressure to perform for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), according to head coach Gregg Berhalter. Reyna, who has had a challenging season, remains a key player for the national squad as they prepare for the upcoming Copa America.
The USMNT recently revealed their roster for a series of June friendlies aimed at gearing up for this summer’s Copa America, and Reyna was included despite limited minutes on the field at the club level. Berhalter has expressed his continued confidence in the young midfielder, emphasizing that there is no extra burden on Reyna to prove himself.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Reyna encountered difficulties securing a spot in the starting lineup at Borussia Dortmund, which led to a loan move to Nottingham Forest. Unfortunately, his fortunes did not improve significantly, managing only 230 minutes of Premier League action in the latter part of the season. However, his international performances have been impressive, notably earning the Golden Ball in the CONCACAF Nations League in March.
Berhalter has reassured that Reyna’s past achievements with the national team are a testament to his abilities and that there is no heightened expectation for him to carry additional weight for the team. “Gio has been outstanding for us,” Berhalter noted. “His impact in the Nations League was significant, and we anticipate a similar contribution this summer. Our focus is to position him and the entire team for success through intensive preparation during the training camp and upcoming friendlies.”
With his loan spell at Nottingham Forest concluded, Reyna is now set to turn his focus entirely to the USMNT. After a brief break, he will join the squad for friendly matches against Brazil and Colombia in June. These games will serve as a crucial preparation phase as the team sets its sights on performing well in the Copa America.
Despite the hurdles faced during his club season, Reyna’s potential and previous international performances provide a solid foundation for optimism as he continues to be an integral part of the USMNT setup. The upcoming matches will be a key opportunity for Reyna to regain form and showcase his talent on the international stage.
