USMNT midfielders Sebastian Berhalter and Giovanni Reyna say they are adapting to mentor roles for the younger squad. Reyna admits the shift makes him feel a little bit old.
During a press conference in Washington, D.C., USMNT midfielders Sebastian Berhalter and Giovanni Reyna confirmed they are embracing mentor roles for the squad's younger players. The comments came after head coach James Harris emphasized the need for stronger cohesion ahead of the upcoming qualifiers.
The Mentor Role
Mentoring is seen as a strategic move to bridge the gap between seasoned veterans and newcomers. Berhalter explained that his responsibilities now extend beyond on‑field duties to include technical and psychological guidance for teammates.
- Sharing tactical insights during training sessions.
- Helping newcomers cope with media pressure.
- Offering advice on professional lifestyle habits.
Reyna, 23, admitted the new duty makes him feel "a little bit old," but expressed pride in contributing to the development of younger talent. He added that having internal leaders eases the coach's burden and fosters a winning culture.
The duo is expected to continue these responsibilities throughout the qualification campaign, with analysts predicting a positive impact on the team's performance as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
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