Christian Pulisic is looking forward to the Graham Potter era at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to media on Tuesday after the U.S. men’s national team’s scoreless draw with Saudi Arabia, Pulisic said he’s excited about what’s to come at Chelsea after the club dismissed Thomas Tuchel, replacing him by hiring Potter away from Brighton.
Tuchel appeared to have reduced Pulisic’s role within the Chelsea squad. The USMNT captain had started just one game in the 2022-23 season, and had spent some time making late-game cameos as a makeshift wingback rather than in a more natural, attacking position. While Tuchel did get Pulisic into every Chelsea match, he played just 177 minutes spread across eight appearances before the coaching change.
“I’m feeling good going back, honestly,” said Pulisic. “I have a fresh start now, and I’m excited to play for the new manager. So, really just looking forward to it, and now I just have to prove myself, as everyone does, and as I’ve done before.”
No big issue with USMNT substitution
Pulisic didn’t give the impression of being particularly happy when he was subbed off after 75 minutes against Saudi Arabia. That appearance — coming days after a training-ground knock kept him out of the USMNT’s loss to Japan — was Pulisic’s longest stint in a competitive game since June 15, when he played the full 90 for the USMNT in their 1-1 Nations League draw with El Salvador.
However, according to the Pennsylvania native, there’s no issue between him and Gregg Berhalter.
“No,” said Pulisic when asked directly if he had a problem with being pulled out of the match. “I always want to be in the game. I was just trying to get off the field, trying to score goals, and trying to win the game. But it’s good to get some minutes in, and I feel healthy.”
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