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United States men’s national team midfielder Tyler Adams said he is looking forward to meeting his USMNT teammates before their next friendlies.
The RB Leipzig player is part of Gregg Berhalter’s roster made up primarily of European-based players who will arrive at the USMNT camp in Cardiff before a game against Wales on Thursday in Swansea, followed four days later by another friendly against Panama. in Austria.
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“Having the opportunity to come to a national team camp is good, not only to see some familiar faces, but also to get out of the rhythm of what was happening because I was with my club for so long in Germany, everywhere in [coronavirus pandemic] now, “Adams on Monday media availability.” So to be able to be with some of my friends again and go back to the top of the United States is a good feeling. “
Due to the pandemic, it has been more than nine months since the United States last played a game of any kind. For some players like Adams, it’s been 18 months since they last wore the American colors.
“I’d say everyone is pretty late because we’ve had eight months off for a pandemic,” Adams said. “But other than that, it’s just about going in and taking as much information as possible because with such limited training, you don’t have a chance for reps.”
The extent to which time off has halted any progress Team USA has made will be revealed over the next week.
Berhalter said he held his first session on Monday, even though only 11 players were available. Tuesday’s session should see the entire 24-player roster participate, even as the ongoing pandemic has forced the American contingent to take precautions in terms of social distancing and wearing masks.
“We will have a welcome meeting [Tuesday] and we’ve been together for two and a half days so that’s the weird part of COVID that we’re all dealing with, “Berhalter said.
Adams acknowledged that the past 11 months have had a stop-and-go feel for his club, with an unexpected hiatus from March to May followed by a resumption of the Bundesliga season. This was followed by the conclusion of the UEFA Champions League in August, in which Leipzig reached the semi-finals. But Adams appreciates having a break from club duties.
Berhalter had a more optimistic view of where things are. He has been in constant contact with his players during the pandemic, using technology as much as possible to keep players abreast of his plans for the team.
“In this game [against Wales]It will probably be six or seven guys who are on the field for the first time playing together, so it will be a new experience, “Berhalter said.” But I think when you look at the core, the players that we were able to influence in the last 18 months, it’s definitely a group that is up to date. “
The issue of racial justice has also been on the minds of gamers. Adams said the team plans to make some kind of gesture before Thursday’s game, though he did not say precisely what the team has planned.
“We just want to keep educating people about what is happening and what is happening,” he said. “The most important part is progressing and moving forward, so I think there will be something we do on game day. But the internal discussions have been great within the mutual support team, sharing each other’s beliefs.”
Source: espn.co.uk
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