The USMNT defender shared his frustrations about missing international duty and outlined his perspective on what the team needs to improve

Dest maintains regular communication with USMNT coachesEmphasizes need for complete commitment from squadIdentifies work rate and creative spark as key areas for improvementGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

After being sidelined for nearly a year with an ACL injury, Sergino Dest finally made his comeback for club and country earlier in 2025, and it has many excited for the 24-year-old’s future. However, that spell out has seen Dest miss out on a lot of chances to impress. But Dest acknowledged that while he stays in regular contact with Mauricio Pochettino's coaching staff.

“I’ve had conversations with the assistant coach, and they’re watching me, we keep in contact, but yeah, it’s different,” Dest told when asked if he’s in touch with the USMNT coaches. “It’s different to meet them all in person, be at the camp, be with the players again, and I miss the players again because the last time was March 2024."

He added, "And it’s been way too long, and we have a World Cup coming up, and I want to spend as much time with the players to be in the best shape with the team to be ready for the World Cup."

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Dest also touched upon what he believes the USMNT lacks and what they need to do before the 2026 World Cup.

“I feel like we have some work to do as well. I don’t know, I'm willing to work 100 percent with the whole team cause that is our spirit, and I think you know if we’re our best version, if everybody gives 100 percent and maybe some creativity,” Dest added when asked what he thinks the USMNT lack.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The USMNT has struggled to find consistency under new coach Pochettino since his appointment in the Fall of 2024. Injury absences to key players like Dest, Tyler Adams, and others have complicated the transition, with the team showing concerning deficiencies in creativity and attacking threat. Dest's identification of work rate and creativity as areas needing improvement aligns with Pochettino's recent assessments as well.

AFPWHAT’S NEXT?

The USMNT will come together at the end of the 2024-25 season for the 2025 Gold Cup, with Dest likely to be a part of the squad for the tournament. That will be the last section of competitive action that the team will have prior to the 2026 World Cup, beyond regularly scheduled friendly games.