Gregg Berhalter says he spoke to Miles Robinson about his move to FC Cincinnati, saying that it was up to the defender to make a personal choice.
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Berhalter spoke to Robinson about moveDefender swaps Atlanta for CincinnatiDrawing criticism for not heading to EuropeWHAT HAPPENED?
Having established himself as one of the best defenders in American soccer, Robinson hit the free agent market this winger following the expiration of his contract with Atlanta United. Despite interest from abroad, namely from PSV, Robinson opted to remain in MLS, signing for FC Cincinnati, the 2023 Supporters' Shield winners.
Robinson remains a key figure for the USMNT, having been called up as the most experienced player in January camp, and Berhalter says that he'll continue to be monitored by the program, regardless of where he ultimately chose to move.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT BERHALTER SAID
"When players talk to me about their next step, when they call me and ask me, some of them do, the first thing is always just trying to understand their motivation and what they want," Berhalter said. "With Miles, it was no different. We talked through some of the potential options. We talked through his future and how we see him with the national team program, and ultimately he decided to sign for the Supporters' Shield winners, a very strong team within MLS.
"That's a personal choice that he makes and all we can do now is continue to monitor him and monitor him the same we do every other player. That's our commitment to the whole group."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Robinson has drawn criticism for not opting to test himself in Europe, deciding instead to stay in MLS with Cincy. At 26, this seems like it will have been Robinson's last chance to make a big move abroad.
His decision not to do so has seen him called out by plenty, with Jesse Marsch among those to be left disappointed by his decision not to head to Europe.
“Very surprised. I read that with his free agency he had been talking to a few different MLS clubs, but I thought with his talent that now a move to Europe was perfect for him," Marsch told CBS Sports' You never know what the options are, obviously every player has to evaluate what the situation is, what the finances are, and what the opportunities are, but I think a player like him has to be in Europe, has to be testing himself, has to be pushing to be the best that he can be.
"Even if it’s a league like the Championship or Holland or some of these that aren’t the premier leagues, the best way to create a stepping stone to get there is to have a bit on your resume that shows you had a year or year in half in Europe, playing for clubs that are competing to be in the UCL or are in the UCL. Then you can showcase your talents. We’ve talked a lot on this show about players that are testing themselves and putting themselves in over their heads – Pepi is a good example – and being rewarded for it. I find it a bit of a shame, but each player’s situation is a little different.”
WHAT NEXT FOR ROBINSON?
Robinson is set to lead the U.S. into the annual January camp, which will culminate with a friendly against Slovenia in San Antonio.
After that, the U.S. will look ahead to the Nations League semifinals in March against Jamaica, while the Copa America and Olympics loom large for the program ahead of this summer.