Five years after first appearing on the European football stage with Borussia Dortmund, Christian Pulisic’s decision to play for Chelsea is a testament of his hunger and ambition to succeed in the world’s most exciting league.
It was under present Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, that Pulisic took his giant strides at the Signal Iduna Park, aged just 17.
In an exclusive talk with chelseafc.com, the American attacker spoke regarding his excitement to be reunited with the German tactician, saying he is grateful for having the opportunity to be under Tuchel’s guidance.
“I remember making my debut under him and it was really exciting. I was playing in the Dortmund youth team and then I got the call up for training with the first team, and be a full first team member. I had to fight my way into that team because it was a very strong team and being a young player, I had to work extra hard.
The manager trusted in me and most importantly gave me chances to play, so I’m grateful for that. He definitely helped me as a young player and I only have good memories. We had some success at Dortmund together and it’s been good to see him and work with him once more.”
In Tuchel’s second match in-charge, Pulisic came off the bench in the 2-0 win against Burnley and put in an impressive cameo – providing the assist for Marcos Alonso’s wonderful volley. He was deployed just behind the main striker, a position he relishes playing in.
The 22-year-old said:
“It’s a kind of a false striker role. And it’s been good so far. We’ve got a new outlook on things, we have had a really good win so it’s been a positive start.”
He hopes the Blues maintain a good morale amid what he calls ‘crazy times’.
“It’s been some crazy times recently and just to get a win left all the guys in the changing room really excited. We have had a lot of fun in training and there are smiles on faces which is good to see.”
As Chelsea take on fellow Londoners Tottenham next, on Thursday, Pulisic will be looking to start for Tuchel in his much adored position as a support striker.
