CHRISTIAN PULISIC is still wanted by Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea – despite his injury problems.
The USA international has managed just 40 Premier League appearances for the Blues since the start of last season.
Speaking ahead of today’s trip to Southampton, Tuchel said: “Chelsea bought Christian for a reason – for his quality, for his potential and it’s our job to bring out the best in him.
“He proved in many weeks that he has the level to be a Chelsea regular player, to have a big impact at this club and it’s a challenge now to maintain the level and to keep improving.”
Pulisic has suffered with muscular injuries throughout his time at Stamford Bridge and is yet to start in the Premier League under Tuchel.
He missed the recent 2-1 win against Sheffield United due to personal issues.
The 22-year-old did start against Barnsley in the FA Cup, however, playing 80 minutes in the 1-0 win.
Tuchel wants him to stay upbeat as he believes he can play a crucial role in the second half of the season.
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He continued: “It’s sometimes like this and the main thing for Christian is to stay positive, keep his head up and be ready because he can have a big impact when he starts and he can have a big impact when he comes from the bench with his intensity.”
If anyone can get the best out of Pulisic, it’s Tuchel.
The German coach gave him his Borussia Dortmund debut as a 17-year-old in January 2016.
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The American flourished under Tuchel’s management and was instrumental in helping him win his first major trophy in management.
He won a penalty in the 2017 German Cup final against Eintracht Frankfurt, allowing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score the winner.
Pulisic isn’t the only young American to play for a top European side, with Sergino Dest (20) at Barcelona and Weston McKennie (23) at Juventus.
