Tag: Graham Potter

Christian Pulisic looking forward to ‘fresh start’ at Chelsea under Graham Potter

Pulisic is ready to prove he merits more playing time

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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Gregg Berhalter doesn’t seem too broken up about Thomas Tuchel being fired

The USMNT boss seems to be a card-carrying member of the #FreePulisic movement

Count Gregg Berhalter among the American observers who weren’t exactly devastated to see Thomas Tuchel sacked as Chelsea head coach.

Tuchel was let go on Wednesday with the season just a month old, with Chelsea moving quickly to replace him with Brighton head coach Graham Potter the next day.

U.S. men’s national team star Christian Pulisic struggled for consistent playing time under Tuchel this season, starting just one game and often playing out of position at wingback when he did see the field.

With just two months remaining until the World Cup, it’s not surprising that the USMNT head coach appears to be looking forward to Pulisic getting the chance to impress a new head coach in London.

“I’m not happy a guy lost his job. But if this means more opportunity for Christian, then it’s positive because he’s a guy that’s proven that he can perform at that level,” Berhalter told the AP on Wednesday. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Pulisic is set to be on the roster for the USMNT’s final two World Cup tune-ups this month, as the U.S. faces Japan in Germany on September 23 and Saudi Arabia in Spain four days later.

Berhalter said he is close to settling on a roster for the World Cup, but there still could be a surprise or two.

“I’m sure there’s not going to be anything drastic, but there may be a couple of guys that pop up,” Berhalter said.

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Graham Potter steps into the Chelsea hot seat

The ex-Brighton boss has taken the long road to one of the game’s biggest jobs

One day after sacking Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea has confirmed that Graham Potter is the club’s new head coach.

Potter has departed Brighton to sign a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea paid Brighton a reported £21.5 million in compensation to Brighton to secure the services of Potter and four other members of his staff that will join him in London.

Potter, 47, took the long road to one of coaching’s most high-profile positions.

After his playing career ended, Potter took over Östersund in the Swedish fourth division in 2010. Over a span of five years, Potter led the club to three promotions and a place in Sweden’s top flight, eventually landing a spot in the Europa League in 2017-18.

Potter’s exploits in Sweden did not go unnoticed, and he was eventually hired by Championship outfit Swansea City, before moving to the Premier League to take over Brighton in 2019.

After leading Brighton to ninth place last season, the club’s best ever Premier League finish, Potter has now been hired by one of the biggest clubs in European soccer.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly said in a release: “We are thrilled to bring Graham to Chelsea. He is a proven coach and an innovator in the Premier League who fits our vision for the club.

“Not only is he extremely talented on the pitch, he has skills and capabilities that extend beyond the pitch which will make Chelsea a more successful club. He has had a major impact at his previous clubs and we look forward to his positive impact at Chelsea.”

Chelsea has started the season off slowly, with three defeats in its first seven games including a surprise 1-0 loss at Dinamo Zagreb earlier this week to kick off its Champions League campaign.

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