Christian Pulisic finds solace with USMNT despite uncertain Chelsea future
By Alex Windley
Christian Pulisic is happy to be back with the United States Men’s National Team after a torrid year with club team Chelsea.
Speaking with reporters in Carson, California about the USMNT's upcoming CONCACAF Nations League schedule, the 24-year-old discussed his challenging experience at Chelsea this year, interim coach BJ Callaghan, and his happiness about rejoining the Stars and Stripes.
"It's been a really tough season for me personally and for our team of course at a club level," the winger said.
"So for me it's just about coming in here and having a fresh start and being able to be a part of a team that hopefully can come out and win some games. I'm really excited to be here and just to get some minutes on the field and just get back to being that confident player that I know I can be in and just find my footing again and just enjoying the game because it feels like it's been tough to do that lately."
Pulisic started in just eight matches for the London club this past season, registering a single goal and assist through 800+ minutes played.
There are rumors that Pulisic could leave Stamford Bridge teams during the summer. Since the arrival of owner Todd Boehly, Chelsea’s squad has been bloated with the influx of new signings leaving existing players like the winger on the sidelines more often than not.
Despite the swirling speculation about his future, Pulisic is pleased to find a safe space with the USMNT.
"Obviously, it's been an interesting journey at club level for me. I thought it was a great couple years and the last couple years just haven't gone at all how I've planned them to be," he said.
"And right now my focus is obviously here with the national team. I'm just excited to get back playing and just enjoy myself and do what I love to do out on the field. And from there, this summer, we're obviously going to have to see what happens. "
"It's obviously very early. As of right now I'm a Chelsea player and I plan to go back. But a lot of things can happen. A lot of things can change."
Pulisic will also be playing under new interim head coach BJ Callaghan. Since the departure of Anthony Hudson to Qatar last month, Callaghan will lead the US in their quest to repeat as Nations League Champions.
"I've had quite a few managers in my time, so I've dealt with change," Pulisic said.
"I mean especially [Callaghan], he's been a part of Gregg's staff. We know him well. We know what he is all about. He's not going to come in and try to change everything. He's going to come in, give some new ideas, give input, and obviously make sure [to] run by everything with the team, with some of the leadership guys."
"We're going to have to be well prepared once the game comes around. It's not something that any of us have never seen before, so we're just going to give our best and help him along the way as he helps us and try to win some games."
The USMNT will kick off their Nations League title defense on Thursday, June 15th as they take on Mexico in the semi-final.