“Mauricio Pochettino has come in and said, ‘Hey, I don’t care where you play, I just want you to play’, and the reality is that you need to play,” former USMNT star Alexi Lalas remarked, offering his words of wisdom to a player who, once riding the highs of early success, has now become somewhat of a forgotten talent. For those still wondering, the name should be a no-brainer — Giovanni Reyna. Leaving aside his national team role, his struggles at the club level have already raised concern among fans and pundits alike.

This season, however, the outlook seems more positive for the 22-year-old midfielder. Reyna departed Borussia Dortmund permanently to join Bundesliga rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach in a $7 million move, where he also reunites with USMNT teammate Joe Scally. While supporters remain hopeful that the transfer will spark his revival, reports suggest the club itself seems to be taking extra measures, with talk of appointing a new manager, notably an American, to help guide Reyna and Scally’s progress.

At least renowned journalist Tom Bogert says so, who reported on X hours ago that Borussia Monchengladbach is allegedly looking to hire Wayne, New Jersey-native Pellegrino Matarazzo. “American manager Pellegrino Matarazzo is a candidate for the Borussia Monchengladbach head coaching job, I’m told. Kicker 1st,” said Bogert, before adding that the 47-year-old has been “considering future & waiting for right opportunity.” And guess what? This is a very name who was even interviewed for the USMNT job, before the Stars and Stripes went all in with Mauricio Pochettino.

Coaching in the Bundesliga would hardly be unfamiliar territory for Pellegrino Matarazzo, given his extensive experience across Germany’s top divisions. Most recently, he was in charge of TSG Hoffenheim from February 2023 until November 2024, managing 67 games. Before that, he spent nearly three years at VfB Stuttgart (2019–2022), overseeing 100 matches and guiding them in their Bundesliga journey.

Matarazzo had already built strong ties with Hoffenheim earlier, serving as Assistant Manager between 2018 and 2019, where he worked under Julian Nagelsmann and Alfred Schreuder. His coaching career also includes a season with Hoffenheim’s U17s in 2017–2018, where he posted an impressive record.

Prior to his time in Hoffenheim, Matarazzo spent several years at 1. FC Nürnberg, managing both the U19s (2013–2017) and the U17s (2012–2013) after initially serving as an Assistant with Nürnberg II (2011–2012). He also took temporary charge of Nürnberg II’s first team in 2011.

Overall, from youth squads to assistant roles and now multiple Bundesliga head coach jobs, Matarazzo has steadily climbed the ladder. This makes him no stranger to the demands of German football. As far as linking up with fellow American players, Gio Reyna and Joe Scally, consider it an icing on the cake.

In fact, this move could benefit both parties. Firstly, Reyna and Scally will enjoy sharper competition within the team and training sessions — something crucial for their overall development if they are to have what it takes to make Mauricio Pochettino’s 2026 roster. Secondly, who knows what the future holds? If Pellegrino Matarazzo continues working successfully with his country’s own players on a European stage, it might just catch the eye of U.S. Soccer and open the door to a potential national team role.

Don’t mind the cringe yet hilarious irony coming from us, but both managers even share similar initials — Mauricio Pochettino (MP) and Pellegrino Matarazzo (PM). Talk about a case of alphabetical destiny! Then again, we hope you let this joke slide and instead focus on the fact that Gio Reyna and Joe Scally are in contention to have a familiar face from their nation. While nothing has been confirmed yet, it only makes it a duty for both of these players to make the most of the opportunity. And it certainly looks like they are!

USMNT star remains optimistic despite unlucky debut

After sitting out Borussia Mönchengladbach’s first two league matches to focus on his fitness, Gio Reyna finally made his debut on Sunday against Werder Bremen — though it hardly unfolded as he would have hoped. Starting in the No. 10 role, the 22-year-old played 74 minutes, created a chance with a through ball to Robin Hack, and took three shots himself. But his efforts weren’t enough, as Gladbach were outclassed in a 4–0 defeat that left them 16th in the Bundesliga after three games, following an opening loss to VfB Stuttgart and a 2–0 win over Schalke 04.

Then again, more than the defeat, it’s Reyna’s return to consistent minutes in the Bundesliga that drew notice, particularly as he’s voiced confidence about earning a spot in Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT squad this summer.  “I believe I will be there. That was one of the reasons for my move [to Gladbach],” he told BILD after the match. “I’m in open contact with the coach [Mauricio Pochettino]. If I play well here, I will definitely find my way back to the national team.”

“I am now at a point where I want to take the next step and take my career to a higher level. I feel ready for it, that’s why I came to Gladbach,” added the former Dortmund star. While Reyna was able to echo his optimism, his American teammate, Joe Scally, was left on the bench Sunday and currently seems to be far down Pochettino’s defensive pecking order, especially with the USMNT possibly sticking to a three-man backline going forward.

Then again, Gladbach will resume Bundesliga action on Sept. 21 against Bayer Leverkusen. So one can hope to see both of the American boys making the starting XI. Honestly, it’s somewhat an obligation, as both Reyna and Scally are setting their sights on October’s USMNT friendlies against Australia and Ecuador.

“Of course, I want to be back with the USMNT, but I know that’s only possible with playing time and good performances,” Reyna admitted. “That’s how it is, and that’s how it should be.” We bet the midfielder also spoke on behalf of Scully. Well, let’s hope that’s the case.