Pulisic admits playing for Chelsea this past season was 'tough'
The USMNT star is training on American soil ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League
Christian Pulisic had a tough season at Chelsea — but hopes his summer with the USMNT will be much better.
The 24-year-old striker, who logged just 813 minutes with the Premier League side this season, admitted to as much on Monday as he trains in Los Angeles with the United States ahead of their CONCACAF Nations League clash with Mexico.
“It’s been a really tough season for me personally and for our team of course at a club level,” he 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.”
Despite spending $600 million on players last season under new owner Todd Boehly, the London club finished 12th and failed to qualify for any European competitions next season.
It’s no wonder Pulisic is happy to be away from Stamford Bridge and back with the national team, where he’s had most of his career success.
“I’m really excited to be here and 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,” he said.
The U.S. will face rivals Mexico on June 15 in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Americans are the defending Nations League winners.
While he called his club career, which also includes a stop with Borussia Dortmund, “an interesting journey,” Pulisic said, “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.”
Pulisic’s comments come after USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel said Pulisic, along with USMNT goalie and Arsenal backup Matt Turner, should change clubs this summer if they want to get more minutes.
In an interview with Sporting Post this past February, Friedel said of Pulisic’s lack of playing time with Chelsea: “It goes back to having too many players at Chelsea. Look at who he is up against. I’m not one of those people who says someone should leave if they’re not playing because I believe you need to fight for your place and prove your worth. But if there aren’t going to be opportunities, Christian is one of the most important players for USA so we’re going to want him to be playing consistently.”
In all, Pulisic made 24 Premier League appearances this past season, scoring a goal and adding an assist. Overall, he made 30 appearances across all competitions, five of which came in the Champions League.
Pulisic has been the subject of transfer rumors the past few months, including being linked to Serie A side Juventus.
What does Pulisic think of all this speculation swirling on social media? Not much since he doesn’t have Twitter or Instagram on his phone.
“I don't keep any social media on my phone anymore,” he said, “so I probably don’t see as much as you guys think I do. I don't know what's going on.”