Defender Scally seeks a 'showcase' sport in opposition to Bayern Munich to bolster US credentials – FOX Sports activities

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DUESSELDORF, Germany (AP) — Because the 2026 World Cup attracts nearer, Joe Scally is aware of U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino is holding an in depth eye on him.
The fitting again needs to ship a “showcase” of his talents in what could also be his hardest sport of the season in opposition to Bayern Munich.
“Each sport, somebody from the nationwide group is watching,” Scally mentioned on a current name with reporters. “In the intervening time, I am eager about membership. I’m probably not pondering, going right into a sport, ‘Is the coach watching?’ or one thing like that, as a result of I’m certain he’ll hear. However enjoying Bayern is all the time particular.”
Scally is hoping he and Borussia Moenchengladbach can catch Bayern unawares within the first sport for each groups this 12 months after the Bundesliga winter break.
“They’re the very best group, some might say on the planet. Within the league proper now they’re on the high of the desk,” he mentioned. “You might have a lot motivation for these video games and it’s nearly like you don’t have anything to lose. So (you’ve got) simply acquired to go on the market and attempt to showcase your self.”
Bayern has a four-point lead over final season’s champion Bayer Leverkusen however should be cautious in opposition to Gladbach, which has a historical past of springing surprises on Bayern.
Gladbach has crushed Bayern 9 occasions within the final decade, together with in 2021 when Scally performed in a 5-0 German Cup demolition of Bayern which ranked among the many Munich group’s worst ever losses. Bayern goes into the sport with a query mark over attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala who’s in poor health, and uncertainty over its goalkeeping choices.
Scally’s simply 22 however the defender from Lengthy Island has already racked up 115 video games for Gladbach in all competitions since becoming a member of from New York Metropolis FC in 2021.
He is additionally performed 19 video games for the USA, together with each minute of all 4 video games since Pochettino took over in October. How lengthy that streak continues will doubtless rely upon the health and type of fellow proper again Sergino Dest, who hasn’t performed since April due to a knee harm.
Scally mentioned he takes “numerous delight” in being constant and gathering extra top-division expertise than many different gamers his age, and turning into extra versatile by enjoying on the left flank or on the correct of a central defensive three.
After then-coach Gregg Berhalter took him to the World Cup in 2022 however did not play him, Scally mentioned he didn’t understand the decision and it affected him “immensely.”
A 12 months and a half out from the World Cup within the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Scally had heat phrases for Pochettino.
“We’re nonetheless all understanding how we’re going to speak, issues like that, however every part goes in the correct course,” he mentioned.
“You see the best way we’ve been enjoying, everybody has a lot confidence. The coach has talked to all of us individually and instructed us what he likes in every place and every part like that. Every little thing’s on the correct path.”
Bayern might get a lift if Leverkusen drops factors at Borussia Dortmund on Friday, whereas a win for Leverkusen would put Xabi Alonso’s group some extent off Bayern on the high. It might additionally put Dortmund liable to dropping from sixth place to as little as tenth after this weekend.
On Sunday, Leipzig sorely wants a win at house to Werder Bremen after ending 2024 with a 5-1 loss to Bayern within the Bundesliga and losses in all six of its Champions League video games.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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