Donovan and Howard urge Pulisic to reshape off-field approach after World Cup backlash
Landon Donovan and Tim Howard empathize with Christian Pulisic amid heavy criticism of his World Cup performance, but urge him to change his off-field conduct and the circle around him. Donovan, drawing on his 2006 experience, says therapy and tough conversations helped him and calls for accountability from Pulisic and his entourage; Howard suggests the perceived nonchalance may mask pain and emphasizes the need for leadership and better engagement with fans, teammates, and staff. Pulisic finished without goals with one assist in the tournament and left the elimination match with an ankle injury, fueling the backlash.









