The United States Women’s National Team faced some pretty brutal criticism from USWNT legend Carli Lloyd when the team narrowly advanced to the knockout stage after an uninspiring draw against Portugal on Tuesday. And now, USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski has responded.
After Tuesday’s match, Carli Lloyd absolutely blasted the team for its mentality, especially after star players were seen dancing and smiling on the field despite nearly being eliminated from the World Cup just moments before. But Vlatko Andonovski didn’t exactly care for the criticism, calling Lloyd’s comments “insane.”
“The one thing that I want to say is that this team wanted to win this game more than anything else. They put everything they could in preparation for this tournament, and in every game that it goes,” Andonovski said. “So to question that mentality of this team, to question the willingness to win, to compete – I think it’s insane.”
It’s a pretty sharp response from the USWNT head coach, and it led to quite a few reactions on social media as a result.
It wasn’t about the players, buddy. It was about you. https://t.co/5EQ5xKB4nD
— rat king 👑 (@ShellShock_6) August 1, 2023
How is it insane? Best women in the world, back to back WC champs, were getting dominated by a team they have a 10-0 record against out scoring them 39-0. If it wasn’t for a post, y’all would be on your way back right now. Guy needs to figure it out and fast. https://t.co/XF8pExA6ya
— Chris (@Schaferrrr) August 1, 2023
he’s just casually admitting that he’s the problem. they may want to win, but he’s holding them back🤷🏻♀️ https://t.co/A0eOn0i7Fm
— haley (@haleybmurphy13) August 1, 2023
“Attitude reflects leadership” The lack of self awareness is staggering. https://t.co/tE56oYphze
— 💥💣 Tampa Bay vs All Y’all💥💣 (@Mcgeezy813) August 1, 2023
He should have been fired after the Olympics two years ago, but USSF embraces mediocrity. This guy stinks https://t.co/Dgv02ekqxw
— Kevin Connell (@_KevinConnell) August 1, 2023
The head coach describing his team as “willing” to win is kinda Carli Lloyds point https://t.co/mwBIlsoEES
— deangelo vickers (@jgooner14) August 1, 2023
If he can’t see that Carli was dead right then idk what to tell him & am seriously questioning him as a coach!! https://t.co/xnLx4NK3cc
— Rachel Larson (@RachelJean11) August 1, 2023
Andonovski acknowledged that Lloyd is allowed to voice her opinions, but he made it clear that he does not agree.
“I’ve seen this team step on the field and not try hard or not compete,” Andonovski said. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion. They can say whatever they want. But I just know how this team feels.”
