Is Christian Pulisic Ready for the World Cup? + Landon Donovan & Barcelona Humiliate Real Madrid
On this episode of The Cooligans, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros break down growing concerns around Christian Pulisic after the USMNT star missed the weekend with a glute injury just weeks before the World Cup. Then, USMNT legend Landon Donovan joins the show to discuss World Cup pressure, his new memoir, criticism of American players, and how social media has completely changed life for modern soccer stars. Plus, Barcelona officially clinch La Liga by beating Real Madrid in El Clasico, leaving questions about Madrid’s collapse and whether rumored manager Jose Mourinho could actually fix the club’s issues.
Subscribe to The Cooligans Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Christian Pulisic missed the weekend with a reported glute injury, and with the World Cup right around the corner, USMNT fans officially have reason to sweat. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros discuss whether this is just precautionary rest or a real concern for the American star’s form and fitness heading into the biggest tournament of his career. Is the pressure starting to mount for the USMNT captain?
Then, USMNT legend Landon Donovan joins the show for a candid conversation about the modern American soccer player. Landon shares advice for Christian Pulisic ahead of the World Cup, explains why social media makes today’s pressure even more intense, and opens up about being critical of USMNT players on his podcast. He also discusses his memoir, media life after retirement, and what fans misunderstand about honest soccer analysis.
Finally, Barcelona officially clinch the La Liga title by defeating Real Madrid in El Clasico — the first time the rivalry has ever directly decided the championship. The guys break down Real Madrid’s shocking decline, debate who deserves the blame for the collapse, and discuss whether rumored managerial target Jose Mourinho could realistically restore Madrid back to glory. Timestamps: (12:15) - Christian Pulisic is injured: time to worry?
(25:30) - Landon Donovan joins the Cooligans (37:00) - Who’s to blame for Real Madrid’s fall from grace? Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images 🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube Check out all episodes of The Cooligans the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.