ATLANTA — Tim Ream and Patrick Agyemang were made available to the media today as training for the U.S. Men’s National Team gets underway in Atlanta.
The two players share history from their time together at FC Cincinnati in MLS, and that familiarity was evident throughout Monday’s presser. Both carried themselves with calmness and poise, projecting a focused mindset as they prepare for the upcoming matches against Belgium and Portugal at the end of the month
With competition heating up as more players arrive at camp, both were asked about where they stand in the battle for final roster spots. Agyemang spoke about his approach of focusing on what he can control, getting better and finding ways to help the team — acknowledging that there are quality players across the board all pushing for the same goal.
When asked about the competition among USMNT strikers, with forwards like Haji Wright, Ricardo Pepi and others all making their case week in and week out at the club level, Agyemang described a mindset centered entirely on his own development.
“Honestly, for me, I just focus on myself a lot. Obviously it’s good to see all the boys doing well, but this is part of the job. With national teams it’s always competitive and you’re competing against a lot of top guys — all those boys are really good players. So I already know that everyone is going to be doing well. It’s just me focusing on myself. I like to dial in what I can control and just keep working hard. It’s a great feeling just to be in the mix and you just want to keep working hard to push yourself in order to hopefully be selected.”
Ream echoed that sentiment, noting that all he can do is compete and let his work speak for itself. He also expressed genuine joy at being back together with the group, describing the national team environment as feeling like one big family.
When asked whether Pochettino’s message about this camp being the start of the World Cup cycle has carried over into the group, Ream confirmed the tone has remained consistent.
“The message is pretty consistent and hasn’t really changed from any other camps we’ve had previously. It’s the most important camp — just as when we were in camp in November, that was the most important camp. It’s important to stay focused on the here and now. Not tightening up is probably the best way to describe it. You don’t want to play tight. You want to have focus, you want to have intensity, but you don’t want to feel like you’re gripping the steering wheel with white knuckles. You have to play loose, play with confidence and be comfortable. Right now it is the most important camp. It’s an opportunity for everybody to show what they can do and hopefully be a part of the World Cup in June.”
Agyemang kept his response simple but equally telling.
“It’s exciting. We’re all excited to be here. Of course we know it’s a job we have to get done and we just want to work hard, show our ability and keep pushing each other on and off the field.”
That mindset aligns closely with what Pochettino emphasized in last Monday’s press conference — that no roster spot is guaranteed and that consistent effort at the club level is just as important as performance on the national stage.
Ream, who played alongside Agyemang at FC Cincinnati before his move to Europe, was asked to reflect on how much his former teammate has grown since they first crossed paths. Ream didn’t hold back, opening with a playful jab before shifting into genuine admiration.
“I actually put my arm around him earlier today at training. You actually learned to use your head — about time, use that big frame to get your head on things.”
But the praise that followed was sincere. Ream noted that watching Agyemang from afar has been one of the more rewarding things to witness, pointing to his physical development as a clear sign of growth.
“I don’t think he could last 90 minutes when we were in Charlotte, and now I’m seeing games where he’s playing full 90-minute matches. For me, that tells me he’s in a place — mentally and physically — that he feels good. When you feel good, you just feel like you can do anything.”
Ream also highlighted Agyemang’s numbers in his first season abroad as a testament to how far he has come.
“First season — what did he get, 11, 10? Double digits in his first year. That says a lot to me as a center back and as a defender.”
Despite the praise, Ream made clear he wasn’t done keeping his teammate grounded.
“I’m gonna have to knock him down a peg or two just to make sure he doesn’t get too far ahead of himself — that’s just the way I am with him.”
Agyemang, who currently plays for Derby County in England, was asked about the differences between MLS and English football. He pointed to physicality as the most notable distinction, noting that tackles and challenges that might draw a foul in MLS are often played through in England, with the expectation to keep moving.
Throughout the presser, the comfort between Ream and Agyemang was impossible to miss. The two traded jokes and kind words effortlessly, their shared history giving the session a warmth that stood out. If their energy in front of the media is any indication, both players are arriving at camp locked in and ready to compete.