Thomas Tuchel with Christian Pulisic of Chelsea. (Photo by MANU FERNANDEZ/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
While speaking In an interview during pre-season as quoted by Football.London, Christian Pulisic discussed his long-standing relationship with Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel.
The 23-year-old is presently touring his own country as the Blues make their way around America for their preseason tour.
To persuade head coach Tuchel that he merits a spot in Chelsea’s starting XI for their opening Premier League game of the 2022–23 season against Everton on August 6, Pulisic will be eager to improve his fitness and form during the pre-season.
The USMNT star played 38 games for the Blues last season after missing the first half of the season because of an injury and Covid-19.
In all competitions, he scored eight goals and provided five assists, although, at the end of the season, Tuchel criticised him for his careless finishing.
When the duo were colleagues at Borussia Dortmund, Tuchel was the person who handed Pulisic his chance; now, their relationship has gotten extended as a result of the German’s arrival in west London.
Pulisic is eager for more action, and when he was asked whether the German manager still sees him as a youngster, the American gave a vague reply and added that he is prepared to keep up his efforts to establish himself as a regular in the team.
“Could be, I guess you’d have to ask him. That’s not who I am anymore. He knows I’ve grown a lot as a player, there’s no doubt. I have grown a lot, that’s not how I want him to view me, I want him to view me as the player I am now. I’m just going to continue improving, which I feel I have, and showing him why I deserve to be on the field as much as I can.”
Chelsea’s entire front lineup, including Pulisic, has struggled to establish a consistent stretch in the most recent campaign. Romelu Lukaku hasn’t exactly lived up to his potential despite finishing the season as the Blues’ leading scorer. Both Timo Werner and Kai Havertz lost their form, and they were of little assistance in the opening stages.
In the second part of the season, Pulisic saw a considerable increase in match starts, including four Champions League games. Even though he did put on some strong performances, he must continue to play consistently throughout the season to establish himself as a key player for the squad.
Given that Lukaku has left the team, Pulisic will likely get more opportunities in the upcoming campaign. However, it would be upon the American star whether he takes full advantage of such chances.
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