FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — Gio Reyna, who last played regularly at the club level as a teenager, has transitioned through one scandal, two World Cups, and three clubs — Borussia Dortmund, Nottingham Forest, and Borussia Mönchengladbach — without finding a stable fit. He expressed enthusiasm about his current club, Strasbourg, where he transferred this summer and has started four of the first five games of the Ligue 1 season. "Obviously as a player, all you want to do is really play," Reyna stated on Monday as the U.S. national team commenced a two-week, four-game camp in the Atlanta area. "I was desperate at times over the last couple years just to be on the field. Whether it’s injuries or maybe situation, but obviously speaking with clubs and speaking to [Strasbourg coach Hugo Oliveira], right away, I knew I wanted to make a step there. The soccer fits me. The club project fits me well." Strasbourg is currently ranked eighth in the Ligue 1 table and is owned by Clearlake Capital, which also owns Chelsea FC. The club is primarily used for player development. Reyna, who transferred for a €3 million fee from Mönchengladbach, has been asked to take on a leadership role within the team, as the oldest player is only 24 years old. "That’s part of the role they asked me to come in and take on: be a leader and help the team," Reyna said. "Of course my performance as well, just bring some experience. Really, really enjoying my time so far." The U.S. national team will honor Tim Ream before their upcoming match against Chile in St. Louis. Although it is not a retirement ceremony for Ream, who is still eligible for selection, the recent loss to Belgium in the World Cup may have been his last appearance for the national team. Ream captained the team during the World Cup, but with a shift towards younger players indicated by coach Mauricio Pochettino, it is uncertain if he will be selected again. Sixteen of the 28 players called into camp were present at training on Monday, with absentees being those who played for their club teams on Sunday.
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Gio Reyna Discusses Leadership Role at Strasbourg and Impact on USMNT
Gio Reyna has expressed his excitement about his leadership role at Strasbourg, where he has started four of the first five Ligue 1 matches this season. The club, owned by Clearlake Capital, is focused on player development, and Reyna's performance is seen as beneficial for his prospects with the U.S. national team. The team will honor Tim Ream before their match against Chile, although Ream's future with the national team remains uncertain.
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Gio Reyna relishing his new leadership role with French club that bodes well for USMNT chances
Gio Reyna Discusses Leadership Role at Strasbourg and Impact on USMNT