Interim head coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team, Anthony Hudson, expressed his confidence in Christian Pulisic’s ability to adapt and succeed at Chelsea, regardless of any challenges he may face.
Chelsea Undergoing Changes
At present, Chelsea is experiencing a period of transition, having let go of Graham Potter after only seven months as head coach. The club has brought back Frank Lampard to oversee the remainder of the Premier League season and, more significantly, the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Pulisic had previously worked with Lampard during the latter’s initial tenure at Chelsea and managed to secure a place in the English coach’s plans before his departure. With Lampard returning to Chelsea, Hudson anticipates Pulisic seizing the opportunity, given the strong mindset he has developed in recent years due to various obstacles. Hudson also mentioned his hopes for a comeback, as injuries and limited playtime have put the winger at risk of being let go in the summer. According to Hudson, Pulisic has displayed significant growth and maturity, adapting to challenges and demonstrating resilience. Hudson expressed confidence in Pulisic’s ability to perform well, given the opportunity.
Uncertain Future for Christian Pulisic at Chelsea
The future of Pulisic and several other players at Chelsea remains uncertain. It is unclear who the club will appoint as the permanent head coach, but it is expected that some players will depart following Chelsea’s substantial spending spree. Injuries have made 2023 a challenging year for Pulisic, as he missed two months at the beginning of the year. However, he is now fit and prepared to contribute as Chelsea strives to remain in Europe and climb the Premier League rankings.
Following the match against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, Chelsea will host Brighton on Saturday before the second leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Christian Pulisic began his soccer journey at a young age, joining the youth academy of Pennsylvania Classics. Recognizing his talent, he later moved to the Borussia Dortmund youth academy in Germany. Pulisic quickly gained attention and made his first-team debut for Dortmund in January 2016, becoming the youngest non-German player to score in the Bundesliga.
Success at Borussia Dortmund
During his time at Borussia Dortmund, Pulisic showcased his skills and versatility as an attacking midfielder and winger. He played an essential role in the team’s success, contributing goals and assists throughout his tenure. The young American star quickly became a fan favorite and a symbol of the club’s bright future.
In the 2016-2017 season, Pulisic enjoyed a breakout year, scoring three goals and providing six assists in the league. His impressive performances earned him the title of U.S. Soccer Young Male Athlete of the Year. The following season, he continued to excel, tallying four goals and five assists in the Bundesliga.
Move to Chelsea
In January 2019, Pulisic secured a high-profile transfer to English club Chelsea for a then-record fee for an American player. The transfer took effect in the summer of 2019, and Pulisic quickly made an impact in the English Premier League. In his debut season, Pulisic scored nine goals and provided four assists, helping Chelsea secure a top-four finish and qualify for the Champions League. He particularly shined in the second half of the season under then-manager Frank Lampard.
International Success
Pulisic’s achievements extended to the international stage, as he consistently performed well for the U.S. men’s national team. He became the youngest player to captain the national team in November 2018, leading his country in a friendly match against Italy. Throughout his international career, Pulisic scored vital goals and played a pivotal role in helping the team compete on the global stage.