Giovanni Reyna had a whirlwind 2022/23 campaign, taking on a starring role at Borussia Dortmund and helping the United States national team to CONCACAF Nations League glory last month.
Reyna played a decisive role in the final, setting up both US goals in the victory over Canada. He discussed the Nations League, his club future, and more in a new interview with ESPN commentator Derek Rae.
Reyna "heartbroken" at missing out on Bundesliga title
Reyna's Dortmund team pushed serial German champions Bayern Munich all the way to the final matchday last season and even led the table entering the last slate of games. But a shock draw with Mainz on the last day ceded the trophy to Bayern -- the Rekordmeister's 11th consecutive league title win.
"We know how close we were, and it was so disappointing not to get it done," Reyna said. "The experience has taught us that we have the potential to win trophies and has made us all stronger as we look ahead to the upcoming season."
Speaking about the upcoming Bundesliga season, Reyna dismissed rumors linking him with a move away from Dortmund and expressed a strong desire to stay at Signal Iduna Park -- even after the departure of close friend Jude Bellingham.
"I can't think of a better club to play for," he said. "I'm lucky that my first professional club is also a club that has the chance to win the Bundesliga, the Pokal (German Cup), and Champions League. There is no moving up from Dortmund. It's a top, top club, so I'm happy here and could play here forever."
Reyna optimistic on USMNT future
While Reyna's immediate club future seems sorted, his future with the USMNT has been murky since head coach Gregg Berhalter was rehired earlier this summer.
Berhalter and the Reyna family engaged in a bitter feud after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which began when the coach elected not to start Reyna during the group stage. The 20-year-old did not directly address what it would be like to work under Berhalter again, but he has been told he will have a big role in the national team for years to come.
Reyna is further excited about the chance to compete for the Copa America in his home country next year. The 2024 edition of the competition will be held in the United States -- and though the precise venues are still to be announced, the USMNT should enter the tournament as one of the favorites to win it.
"The Copa America in the US will be a great experience for our team as we continue to progress," Reyna said. "We need to raise our expectations. There is no reason we shouldn't compete for the trophy in front of our fans in our country. That's our mentality."
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