Christian Pulisic makes 'exciting' Graham Potter claim ahead of Chelsea return

Christian Pulisic is excited to play under Graham Potter which will give him a fresh start at Chelsea after Thomas Tuchel was axed in mid-September. 

The 24-year-old was limited to minutes under Tuchel and became frustrated with his role in the Chelsea side. 

Pulisic has featured eight times in 2022-23 and played 177 minutes, starting just one game which came in Tuchel’s final Premier League game in charge against West Ham. 

Christian Pulisic in training for Chelsea. (Alamy)

But with Tuchel relieved of his duties by Chelsea and replaced by Graham Potter on a long-term contract, Pulisic has been given another opportunity to impress to stake a claim in the side ahead of the World Cup in November. 

READ MORE: In full - Chelsea’s 13-game fixture list until World Cup break revealed  

He has spent a week or so with the USMNT camp for their matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia, before returning to Chelsea’s Cobham training base to prepare for their league clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon at Selhurst Park. 

Pulisic will face heavy competition in attack with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Armando Broja all vying for starting roles in the side. 

Potter will have had time to look over his forward options ahead of the trip across the capital, but Pulisic has delivered a positive verdict on the 47-year-old and is excited to resume his football with Chelsea under the new head coach.

"I'm feeling good going back, honestly," Pulisic said, as quoted by ESPN, about his return to Chelsea. 

"I have a fresh start now, and I'm excited to play for the new manager. So really just looking forward to it. 

“I just have to prove myself, as everyone does, and as I've done before."

Chelsea manager Graham Potter (centre) with assistant manager Billy Reid (centre) and Anthony Barry during a training session at Cobham Training Centre. (Alamy)

READ MORE: Graham Potter makes first Chelsea selection decision for Crystal Palace clash

One player who is almost certain to start is Reece James on the right-hand side of defence. He heads back to Cobham from England duty and believes Potter has the hunger to guide Chelsea to winning ways. 

"In football, things happen very fast,” the Chelsea defender said on the managerial change.

"I’ve played against Graham Potter’s teams a number of times and he seems like a good guy so far.

"He’s hungry to win and I think it’s going to be an exciting future."

READ MORE: Chelsea make Jude Bellingham transfer decision amid Liverpool & Real Madrid interest

Topics: Christian Pulisic, Chelsea, Graham Potter, Football

Matthew Debono

Owner/Lead of Absolute Chelsea. Featured on Forbes and 90min.

@MattDebonoAC