USA captain Christian Pulisic says he is yet to speak to new USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino but hopes the Argentinian can “turn things around” for the 2026 Fifa World Cup co-hosts.
Former Tottenham, Southampton, Paris St-Germain and Chelsea boss Pochettino was appointed on September 10, taking over a side on a run of one win in seven games, including a defeat at home to Canada and a draw with minnows New Zealand this month.
“I haven’t seen him since he’s got the job,” Pulisic told CBS Sports, speaking on the eve of his 26th birthday after scoring in Milan’s 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool on Tuesday.
“I don’t have anything for you right now. I’m hoping he’ll be able to turn things around and I hope things go well.
“For sure, it’s great for us to have someone as experienced as him. We have the talent and hopefully we now have a coach who’s going to take us to that next level.”
30 – Christian Pulisic’s third-minute goal on Tuesday was his 30th goal contribution in all competitions for Milan (18 goals, 12 assists).
No player has contributed to more goals for a Serie A team than Pulisic since he joined Milan at the start of last season. Home. pic.twitter.com/kiCHJzryFl
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) September 17, 2024
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USMNT results
The 2-1 loss to Les Rouges in Kansas was the first time Canada had won away to the USA since 1957, leading interim USA manager Mikey Varas to question the squad’s mentality.
Pulisic gave his side a second-half breakthrough against a Kiwis side ranked 78 places below them in Fifa’s rankings, but Ben Waine’s equaliser a minute from time sealed another dispiriting result for the USA, who are playing friendlies because they will qualify automatically for the finals.
A 2-0 win over Bolivia on home soil was their only high point during the 2024 Copa America, exiting after the group stage courtesy of defeats to Panama and Uruguay.
Milan vs Liverpool
Former Chelsea forward Pulisic gave Milan a third-minute lead in their Champions League opener against the Reds with a fine finish from a break at the San Siro.
Headers by Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk turned the scoreline around at half-time, with Dominik Szoboszlai adding Liverpool’s third midway through the second half.
Happy 26th birthday to the boy from Hershey, Christian Pulisic!
Was called too small to sign a professional contract with an MLS side.
Moved to Europe at 16.
Made his Dortmund 1st team debut and scored his first professional goal at 17.
Debuted and scored his first USMNT goal… pic.twitter.com/9DeziwMzcY
— USMNT Report 🇺🇸🇹🇷 (@USMNTReport) September 18, 2024
Saturday’s Serie A win at home to Venezia is Milan’s only win in their first five games under Paulo Fonseca, although Pulisic’s form – contributing three goals and two assists across those matches – is a cause for encouragement.
“I’ve played in some different positions this season,” said Pulisic. “It’s a good system for me and I’m finding opportunities to score goals and create chances, which is where I want to be on the pitch. It’s been enjoyable but it feels better when we win games.”
Inter vs Milan
The Rossoneri will be the away side in the Milan derby at the San Siro on Sunday (7.45pm BST). “There’s no better match for us to have in front of us to turn things around and build some confidence again,” suggested Pulisic.
“It’s a great opportunity for us; we need to be ready and flying, to earn [the fans’] trust back and put on some good performances.”
