‘Not exactly where I want to be’; star admits Chelsea struggles amid Tuchel meddling
Christian Pulisic says things have not been easy at Chelsea this season but is prepared to keep battling for his place in the side.
The 23-year-old is currently in his third season at Stamford Bridge. He signed for the Blues from Borussia Dortmund in January 2019 but spent the second half of 2018-19 back on loan with BVB. The USA international has shown glimpses of his undoubted potential but has struggled for continuity in west London.
He scored nine goals from 19 starts and 25 Premier League appearances during 2019-2020. The Hershey-born youngster enjoyed 27 outings and 18 league starts the following campaign, netting four times.
But he has struggled with injury during his time in the capital. He was out of action between January 2020 and June of that year with a groin problem.
And he also missed two months of action this term due to an ankle injury. The talented forward has been given the nod eight times by Thomas Tuchel, with 12 top-flight appearances in total.
And Pulisic confessed that it has been a tough period in his career.
“It’s been up and down this year, for sure,” he said, per The Mail. “Not exactly where I want to be and how I want things to be right now. But, yeah, I’m just going to keep going.”
Tuchel has handed the American a number of roles in 2021-2022. And he acknowledged that he has had to be adaptable to stay in the thoughts of the German coach.
“It’s tough,” he added. “I haven’t always been playing in the positions I want to play in.
“But I think it’s a good quality to be versatile and be able to play in all kinds of positions and have different strengths on the pitch.”
Pulisic feeling the heat
Pulisic has been prolific for the States, netting 17 times from 42 appearances. He is currently on international duty as the USA prepare to face El Salvador in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
The American has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, with Newcastle said to be keen late last year. And Pulisic revealed that his future is always on the agenda when he meets up with the Stars and Stripes.
“It’s always when I come to the national team, it’s: How are things at Chelsea? How – what’s this, what’s that?
“And, yeah, it’s tough. It’s tough. It’s definitely played a lot on me, and mentally it’s been difficult at times. But I’m always very excited to come back with the national team and sort of step away and get to enjoy it.”
READ MORE: Ambitious plan revealed as Barcelona attempt to beat Chelsea, City to blockbuster transfer
The post ‘Not exactly where I want to be’; star admits Chelsea struggles amid Tuchel meddling appeared first on TEAMtalk.