Christian Pulisic admits he’s had a tough time at Chelsea under new boss Thomas Tuchel.
The American has made just one Premier League start under the German – in the 0-0 draw with Leeds last time out – and has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, with Liverpool among those said to be interested.
While Pulisic has made no claims over his desire to leave the Blues, he does admit he’s enduring a difficult spell under Tuchel.
F365 says: Pulisic next in Tuchel’s Chelsea integration masterplan
“It hasn’t been the easiest thing,” he said ahead of the USA’s friendly against Jamaica, via Metro.
“Obviously, I’m a guy who always wants to play, but I think I’m on a really good path. ‘I love to take on challenges. I love to, not prove people wrong, but prove myself right in a way. So I’ll just continue to work hard.
“Coming into camp, I’m really just excited to get more minutes and play for my country. ‘Regardless of what’s happening at the club level, I’m just thrilled to be here and I’m excited to represent this crest again.’
“I was in a similar situation, I think, when I first came to Chelsea, so I had to work my way and earn my position in the team and to finally get some minutes.
“I feel like I did that and I feel like I’m basically going out there and trying to do the same thing now. I feel very confident in my form right now and the way I’m feeling and playing, so I think I’m on a good path.”
Tuchel has urged Pulisic to be patient and insists he will get more chances.
“I can say nothing else but good things about him,” Tuchel said. “Maybe his biggest problem is that I know him from Dortmund and I think he started only in the cup games.
“It is my responsibility and it is a bit unfair but I know what impact he can have in the last 20 or 30 minutes.
“He was a bit unlucky in the last few games. It isn’t a lack of trust or quality, it is just that he will have to be patient.
“I have another guy who I would love to mention in Emerson [Palmieri] who suffers from bad decisions by me.
“He does not play but he is an amazing guy who trains at the highest level and he never lets the team down with his mentality. It was a super hard decision today to have him out of the squad, the same with Tammy [Abraham].
“It is like this, we have a strong group. The guys have to keep on fighting. There’s no other way.”
Click Here: Italy football tracksuit