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 a detailed eye on him.
The precise again desires to ship a “showcase” of his skills in what could also be his hardest sport of the season in opposition to Bayern Munich.
“Each sport, somebody from the nationwide workforce is watching,” Scally stated on a current name with reporters. “In the meanwhile, I am enthusiastic about membership. I’m not likely considering, 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 taking part in Bayern is at all times particular.”
Scally is hoping he and Borussia Moenchengladbach can catch Bayern unawares within the first sport for each groups this yr after the Bundesliga winter break.
“They’re one of the best workforce, some may say on this planet. Within the league proper now they’re on the prime of the desk,” he stated. “You might have a lot motivation for these video games and it’s virtually like you don’t have anything to lose. So (you’ve got) simply received 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 overwhelmed Bayern 9 instances 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 workforce’s worst ever losses. Bayern goes into the sport with a query mark over attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala who’s sick, 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 US, together with each minute of all 4 video games since Pochettino took over in October. How lengthy that streak continues will seemingly rely upon the health and type of fellow proper again Sergino Dest, who hasn’t performed since April due to a knee harm.
Scally stated he takes “loads of delight” in being constant and gathering extra top-division expertise than many different gamers his age, and turning into extra versatile by taking part in on the left flank or on the best of a central defensive three.
After then-coach Gregg Berhalter took him to the World Cup in 2022 however did not play him, Scally stated he didn’t understand the decision and it affected him “immensely.”
A yr 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 the whole lot goes in the best course,” he stated.
“You see the best way we’ve been taking part in, everybody has a lot confidence. The coach has talked to all of us individually and informed us what he likes in every place and the whole lot like that. All the things’s on the best path.”
Bayern may get a lift if Leverkusen drops factors at Borussia Dortmund on Friday, whereas a win for Leverkusen would put Xabi Alonso’s workforce a degree off Bayern on the prime. It could 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 dwelling 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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