COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Christian Pulisic downplayed the controversy between himself and Mauricio Pochettino, saying his relationship with the U.S. coach is good.

The top American player, Pulisic decided to skip the CONCACAF Gold Cup to rest after two long seasons with AC Milan. He offered to play in a pair of friendlies ahead of the tournament, which Pochettino rejected because he wanted to keep one group together. Pulisic was then criticized by some former American players.

Pulisic returned to the national team this month and started in a pair of friendlies, assisting in the second goal in Tuesday night’s 2-0 win over Japan .

“We have good conversations,” Pulisic told reporters of his relationship with Pochettino. “Honestly. Probably what you guys experience and what the media sees

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