Christian Pulisic is off to a rocky start at Chelsea. He’s only featured seven times, and has yet to score a goal in a Blues shirt. While opportunities have been lacking, the American has been productive when minutes have been granted to him. He has four assists already.
It’s created a very rough situation, one that might not get better any time soon, given all the depth and talent Stamford Bridge has at any position that he could play. Then there is the issue of his price tag- ยฃ58 million ($72m), the most expensive American player ever.
His not fitting and finding a role becomes an even bigger issue given how much was spent to bring him over.
It’s led to a lot of criticism, and the 21-year-old does whatever he can to not let that criticism get to him.
“You canโt completely ignore it,” he said to the Evening Standard
“I donโt live under a rock. I hear things, I see things, but I do my best to block it out. Iโm just working hard for myself. The outside opinions donโt matter as much to me as to whatโs in the team, myself and the people who care about me. Iโm just going to keep working and do my best and not worry about it.โ
Pulisic, currently with the United States National Team on international break, with matches looming against Cuba and Canada, discussed the challenges that he’s had in the adjustment from Borussia Dormtund.
โCulture-wise, itโs been easier than Germany [to settle in], to be honest,” the Pennsylvanian continued.
“From the football side, I guess you could say that [it has been more ยญdifficult]. Obviously, I havenโt been getting as many minutes as I would like. I will just keep going, keep pushing. I know my timeโs going to come.โ
He maintains that he’s going to keep working, stay the course and fight for his place at Stamford Bridge. He also gave his take on people judging him by the transfer fee.
โThis number [ยฃ58m] doesnโt mean anything to me,” he continued.
“Obviously, I go out and try to give my best every time Iโm on the pitch. Iโm not sure what the price tag means to you, but I just have to keep trying to perform at my best for myself and for the team.โ
โIโm not just going to throw a fit and give up ever, so if Iโm on the bench it doesnโt mean the gaffer doesnโt think Iโm a part of the team, Iโve just got to keep pushing and earn my spot.
โ[The manager] likes players who work very hard and show a lot in training and I just have to continue to do that, do my best in training and try to learn my position.โ
In spite of all that he just said, there are still some rumors flying around that he will be looking for the exit door, should the situation not improve.
Christian Pulisicย is ready to consider his Chelsea future in January if he continues to be left out of the side by Frank Lampard.
The 21-year-old has been an unused substitute for the last three Premier League games before being omitted from the squad entirely for theย Champions Leagueย win at Lille.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of โNo,ย I Canโt Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” regularly appears on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.ย
You can follow Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.comย on Twitter here and his cat on Instagram at this link.
