USMNT boss sees the future of Christian Pulisic away from Chelsea under Graham Potter
Speaking to the Times (h/t Football.London), USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter sees the future of star player Christian Pulisic away from Chelsea amidst difficulties to get regular game time under Graham Potter as well.
The former Borussia Dortmund winger was below the pecking order when Thomas Tuchel was in charge of the team. Things haven’t changed much under Potter as well.
The 24-year-old has only got three starts from 10 games under the new boss, two of which came as a wing-back in the last two games. So, not only is he getting regular starts, but he is having to play in an unnatural wing-back position.
Here’s Berhalter talking about Pulisic’s future and him playing as a wing-back (h/t Football.London):
“It’s difficult when you’re at a club like Chelsea and in any given summer they can bring in hundreds of millions of dollars worth of players and he keeps fighting to get his place. I’ve got a lot of respect for Christian and I think he’s done a fantastic job.”
“He’s not a wingback but, listen, every manager likes to try things and sometimes go, “OK this is how it can bring out the best in the player” and sometimes they’re absolutely right — you take a player like that and he’s a transformation at that position.”
Pulisic will be one of the key players in the US national team for their upcoming World Cup adventure in Qatar. His team are in the same group as England, Wales and Iran. So, it won’t be easy to get out of that and make it to the next round.
His future at Stamford Bridge has been uncertain for quite some time, with Newcastle United linked to make a move in the January transfer window.
If the 24-year-old has a good World Cup, he might just change Potter’s mind, who then would want to keep hold of the player. So, anything can happen regarding the player’s future in the coming months.
Whatever happens, would Pulisic be happy playing a fringe role at Chelsea? Well, it depends on him whether he wants to wait for his chances in west London or make a move to a club that can guarantee him regular first-team minutes.
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Time is still on his side to resurrect his career. But, as we all know, time flies, especially when you are a professional footballer. So, he could think twice before deciding to stay at Chelsea and play the waiting game.