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Interview with USMNT prospect
It has been a season of ups and downs for the US men’s national team, wunderkind Joe Scally. While his side Borussia Mönchengladbach have struggled, Scally has taken the Bundesliga by storm; the 19-year-old started the first 17 games straight and scored one goal and two assists for the Foals. In a media roundtable, Scally spoke about his transition to the Bundesliga, his relationship with Adi Hütter and USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter, as well as his first minor setback.
That setback came ahead of matchday 18. Like it has often been the case over the last 24 months, COVID played a significant role, keeping the wing-back out of the game against Bayern Munich. Gladbach won the game 2-1, and, as a result, Scally has been rotated out of the lineup for the last four games.
“When I was playing at New York City FC, I was also dealing with it for two years straight,” Scally said when asked about the current stretch. “It is definitely a different feeling when you are on a high. The low part isn’t; I would say it isn’t unfamiliar because I have dealt with it before. Every player has dealt with it, and I just have to get back on the right track.”
Scally at Gladbach: Market value increase from $2.2m to $8.8m
Even with the last four games in mind, Scally’s season is nothing short of spectacular. Signed for just $1.98 million from Major League Soccer side NYCFC in January 2021, Scally has since seen his market value increase from $2.2 million to $8.8 million, which makes him one of the 25 most valuable US men’s national team players on the planet (overview).
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Somewhat surprisingly, though, Scally has not been a mainstay under national team coach Berhalter. Last November, the 19-year-old was called up to represent his country against Jamaica but did not feature. “Since then, there has been no communication with the camp,” Scally said.
While there has been little talk between US men’s national team coach Berhalter and Scally, the relationship with embattled Gladbach head coach Hütter has been excellent. “He’s always given me confidence since the preseason started back in August,” Scally said. “He’s an amazing coach; just look what he has done at Frankfurt, and the whole team is fully behind him.”
Scally is certain that Gladbach will get out of the current difficult situation. “We are going to try and turn this season around,” Scally said. “Don’t forget there are still 12 games left, and there is still plenty of time.”
Joe Scally in action for Gladbach
Scally: “Focus on myself” – Ginter “will fight for us until the end of the season”
That turnaround, however, will have to happen without Denis Zakaria. The central midfielder was sold to Juventus in the winter break. Furthermore, sporting director Max Eberl left the club in dramatic circumstances to take a break from football due to mental fatigue. Then there is center-back Matthias Ginter, the national team player who has opted not to renew his contract.
There was plenty of turmoil for a young player still transitioning to German football, but Scally reacted coolly to the question. “I just focus on myself,” Scally said. “Ginter is still here now, and he is a big part of the team, and he will fight for us until the end of the season.”
In fact, that transition can also be a major opportunity for a player like Scally. Gladbach will now rebuild under new sporting director Roland Virkus, and the club sees Scally as part of a new generation of Foals that can take the league by storm once again.
“Let’s see what happens in the summer,” Scally said with a smile. “I am just focused on myself, focused on the team, and everyone knows their job.”
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