Matt Miazga was named to the U.S. men’s national team roster on Wednesday, his first call-up in nearly two years.
In the FC Cincinnati defender’s opinion, it never should have taken that long.
After his call-up, Miazga aired out his belief that he was deserving of a USMNT spot multiple times in the past, but ended up being “screwed over” by the coaching staff.
“I told you guys last time, I was screwed over multiple times in the past,” he told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “Yeah, I think it is what it is. I always felt like I should be a part of that group throughout my career, especially the last few years. And now that I’m back in this capacity, the state that we’re in with an interim manager, I’m grateful to be able to show face again and try to stamp my ground again.”
Miazga said last fall that he and former coach Gregg Berhalter “didn’t see eye to eye on a few things” in the past, which he believes prevented him from earning more caps.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, interim USMNT coach Anthony Hudson said that Miazga’s move to MLS last year has given him some much-needed stability after several loans across Europe during his time on Chelsea’s books.
“I think Matt coming over here has given him the opportunity to get consistency and to get games,” Hudson said. “He’s done well. He’s now an experienced player.
“I think he’s always been knocking on the door, right on the edge of coming in. And I think he deserves his chance to come in and be involved in this game.”
The USMNT will face Mexico on Wednesday in the inaugural Allstate Continental Clásico.
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