U.S. international Auston Trusty says he’s in some of the best form of his career, even after missing out on several national team call-ups. Determined to prove he deserves a spot among the U.S. centerbacks, Trusty – appearing on GOAL's The Rondo – noted positive differences between USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino and former boss Gregg Berhalter.
Getty'I will do anything possible'
Despite starring for Scottish powerhouse Celtic, Trusty has been called up just once by Pochettino – in November 2024 – and played only one match under the Argentine manager. However, Trusty praised Pochettino, and stressed he hopes he gets the opportunity to showcase his talent with the coach.
"I will do anything possible to be on that team and be a player of that magnitude and be the guy for the U.S.," Trusty told GOAL. "I know I can do it. I've shown it. And it's just about getting opportunities. When I get the opportunity, thrive in it. When I get the opportunity, it's game over."
Trusy said he had a plantar fascia injury recently, which has limited him so far this season, making just two appearances in August.
"It kind of ruined some momentum," he said, "but it's about getting back into the momentum and showing them I'm here as well."
Trusty pointed to his stats, particularly his passing last season, as he connected on 93.5 percent.
"I'm performing at an extremely high level," he said. "Look at all my stats, look at all of the people I'm defending in the Champions League and now, the Europa League. When you get the opportunity to get called up, it's about performing… Anyone competing for such a historic tournament, playing in the World Cup in the U.S., that's a prized possession of any American. So we're all coming with that mindset."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportComparing Berhalter to Pochettino
Trusty played more under former U.S. manager Berhalter, but the defender said he was disappointed that the current Fire manager left him off the squad for big tournaments – including the 2024 Copa America.
"Gregg called me up, but he didn't call me up during the times I wanted to be, like with the Copa America and the World Cup," he said. "Which was very, very upsetting. Me and him have had conversations, but I won't talk about that."
The 27-year-old said things are different with Pochettino, who's had managed the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe during his career.
"It's good, having a fresh face coming in. Having a guy of his caliber, he's coached Messi, Neymar and Mbappe, all of those guys, so he has the backing of every single player," he said. "To have a coach of that caliber, you can't say nothing to him. He knows. He's been there and done that and you have to respect that. That's the biggest thing.
"He has an aura, and we all look up to him. That's what you want from a national team coach."
'He's letting people have a shot'
Trusty said Pochettino has provided opportunities to players who didn't get those chances in the previous regime. Diego Luna, for example, has 13 of his 14 caps under Pochettino, scoring three goals in that span.
"Maurico, he's letting people have a shot," Trusty said. "He's letting people come in, and that's what you want. If you're a player on the outside and weren't one of the ones getting called in every single camp, no matter what, that's what you want. Mauricio is doing that."
Getty ImagesAustralia next for USMNT
Trusty is expected to feature for Celtic after the international break, with the team traveling to face Dundee United on Oct. 19. The USMNT play Australia in Commerce City, Colo, on Tuesday night.