The U.S. men's national team enters the CONCACAF Gold Cup coming off a four-game losing streak under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino. And if the USMNT is going to right the ship this tournament, it's going to do so without its best players.

Looking ahead, the AC Milan star assured fans that he’s preparing for a strong return. “I’ll be in good shape once this next season starts,” he said. “I’m hungrier than ever. Big things are coming.” AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic has spoken out in response to the criticism he received for opting out of the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Christian Pulisic has come under a lot of fire from pundits like Landon Donovan and Alexi Lalas, along with his manager Mauricio Pochettino, for his decision to sit out this year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.