Best of The Herd

Best of the Herd rolls on with the U.S. men kicking off in Los Angeles, and here’s the truth in soccer: you need a star and you need to set him up to succeed. Christian Pulisic is our engine, so build chances for him on corners, penalties, and in open play because Paraguay is older, physical, and they’ll try to rough him up in front of a huge crowd.

Christian’s a careful listener who needed calm around him when the pressure hit early, and our job was to put him at ease and in spots where he can tilt games.

He struggled late with Milan, so the recent goal matters; a tight one-nil to start group play would be just fine.

Knicks–Spurs popped because Wemby is must-see; he changes how great players attack and feels like something brand new, which drives interest even more than markets do.

He needs bigger minutes because the whole thing swings on whether he’s on the floor, and that’s the reality for every true star in these spots.

Back to tonight: Paraguay will pack it in and try to bully, while we’ll lean on chance creation in a wild L.A. atmosphere during a big week for North American soccer.

You’ve been in that building forever—was that the greatest Knicks game you’ve ever been to?

Yes, it was an emotional swing from confidence to being down big, and I spent the night trying to fire up my section until it was too much; if we win it all, I’m crying.

Courtside energy is real; what’s your read on Wemby?

He’s the league’s future and this is the window to beat him while he’s young, but refs treat every miss like a foul and he plays like a once-in-a-lifetime alien.

Brunson feels like New York’s most loved star since Jeter; how does he lead?

He’s all business with one mission, he grabs the team in huddles and drives them, and that leadership separates him from pure scorers.

Were the Knicks your team growing up?

We watched on a tiny barbershop TV and dreamed of moments like this, and the city’s passion is so real that even friends from rival towns are telling me they’re happy for us.

Give the new track some love.

Victory Lap is a summer anthem with Young Miami and Jadakiss, produced by Cool and Dre and Mike Zombie, and it blends our Netflix podcast vibe with the music.

Game five is tomorrow and you’re an underdog—nervous?

I’m nervous every game until the championship is won; nothing feels settled before that.

Bruce Arena joins us, the most accomplished coach in U.S. men’s soccer; how important is alignment with your best player, and what do you make of Pulisic’s club turbulence?

That relationship is crucial, and my sense is they’re fine; Christian’s in good form now after a flat finish at Milan, so I told him to enjoy it.

Beyond health, what matters most going into a World Cup?

Belief as a group; in 2002 we beat Portugal because we trusted ourselves, and this home match has that same confident feel.

Do we still rise and fall with Pulisic?

Others can help, but he must be dangerous and creative because the attack still leans on him.

What’s this team’s identity?

Athletic, aggressive, and pressing with strong fullbacks and a hardened midfield, and they should take the game to Paraguay.

Home soil—burden or boost?

A boost; if you see it as pressure, you shouldn’t be out there.

How would you handle Chris Richards after time off?

If he trained well and is healthy, start him and adjust if he can’t go the full match because he steadies the back line.

Do you manage the opener any differently?

Keep messages simple and attack early to grab a lead; passivity is the only real danger.

How do you view Pulisic’s scoring drought?

Injuries and a tough club run can explain it, but he looks sharp now and should show it tonight.

What would count as progress for you?

Win tonight, aim to win the group, and set up a path to the round of sixteen with a real shot at a quarterfinal; we’re not favorites, but a strong run matters for the sport here.

Great stuff—I'll throw out the Netherlands as my dark horse.