'Soft, under-performing, tattooed millionaires': Lalas takes names in scathing rant at US national team

Lalas implied Christian Pulisic ‘didn’t warrant a mention’ while naming and shaming USMNT players and management.

FORMER USA DEFENDER Alexi Lalas has called out the country’s current generation following a wretched international break for the States.

Bruce Arena’s side fell to Costa Rica 2-0 at home in their World Cup qualifier on 1 September before battling to a 1-1 draw in Honduras four days later, leaving them in fourth place heading into CONCACAF’s final two qualifiers next month.

That position would currently be good enough only for a playoff against either Australia or Syria, and Lalas, who starred during the States’ home World Cup in 1994, both took aim and took names when the opportunity presented itself during Fox Sports’ broadcast of LA Galaxy-Seattle Sounders last night.

The 47-year-old began with the national team goalkeeper, whom he accused of living in the past, before running through the other “supposed leaders” in the US team.

“All right, Tim Howard… Tim, the Belgium game ended three years ago – we need you to save the ball now,” Lalas said.

“Geoff Cameron, clean it up or let’s get someone who will.

“Clint Dempsey, yeah, you’re a national team legend. Now we need you to be a national team leader.

“Michael Bradley, the US does not need you to be ‘zen.’ The US needs you to play better.

“Jozy Altidore, is this really as good as it gets? Because it’s still not good enough.

“Bruce Arena… Bruce, Jurgen Klinsmann lost at home to Mexico. You lost at home to Costa Rica! This is now all on you, not Jurgen.”

Lalas wasn’t finished there, however, and extended his rant to Borussia Dortmund’s 18-year-old wunderkind Christian Pulisic, whom he suggested didn’t even deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the names he had previously listed.

He then implied that the current side are spoiled relative to their predecessors, and demanded that the USMNT ‘pay back’ all of the support they have received in recent years.

Oh, and by the way, to all the guys that I didn’t mention, it’s because you don’t even warrant a mention. And that includes you too, Wonder Boy.

“So, what are you guys going to do? Are you going to continue being a bunch of soft, under-performing, tattooed millionaires? You are a soccer generation that has been given everything. You are a soccer generation who is on the verge of squandering everything! So, now it’s time to pay it back. Make us believe again!”