Brenden Aaronson is ready to focus on international duty with the US men's national team, after a "long" season with Leeds United that saw the former Premier League side relegated to the Championship.
The 2022/23 Premier League season couldn't have gone any worse for Aaronson, as he struggled to make an impact with just one goal in 42 appearances after joining last summer while the team failed to remain afloat. Despite the desire to put that that behind him for now, addressed transfer speculation while addressing media ahead of the Nations League match.
"I'm sorry, but I'm just with the national team, so I just want to focus on the national team," Aaronson said. "That's where all my thoughts are right now, and that's the only thing I'm focused on at this moment. So I'm just focused on the next game against Mexico and winning this one, then going to the next one.
"It's been a long season. It's been tough in a lot of things. But I mean, coming here and being with the guys, it's great. I'm really enjoying it. We're having a great time as a group. And yeah, we're looking forward to defending our [Nations League] title and then going back and winning another one."
The USMNT prepare to face Mexico in the Nations League semifinal match in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 15 before focusing on the CONCACAF Gold Cup kicking off just days later.
Though the U.S. Soccer Federation is still searching for a permanent head coach, the lengthy process has not fazes Aaronson. B.J. Callaghan, who's set to take charge of his first game after being promoted to interim head coach, is familiar with Aaronson as they previously spent time together at Philadelphia Union.
"Yeah, it's been an interesting year with all the coaches that have come in, but I think BJ has been here for a long time - ever since the beginning. He knows how we want to play. He knows the players that we have really well..." the New Jersey native said.
"I've known B.J. for a long time, it goes all the way back to the Philadelphia Union, and now it's great to see his rise and great to see him get a chance as the head coach," he added. "I'm really happy for him, first and foremost."
Aaronson has made 30 appearances for the U.S. and scored seven goals. The USMNT look to defend their Nations League title after winning the first edition of the competition back in 2021 as they take on rivals Mexico in the semifinals.
This article was originally published on 90min as Brenden Aaronson to focus on USMNT after "long" season with Leeds United.
