Why Christian Pulisic could extend Chelsea contract despite departure claims amid Graham Potter impact
Christian Pulisic of Chelsea and the United States national team has lauded the influence of new manager Graham Potter on the club, stating that the players have gotten off to a “fantastic start.”Â
Since the introduction of the new head coach, the forward has had a greater impact on the squad and has performed better in games he has started.
The 24-year-old has previously failed to break into the team, displaying mobility without securing a specific position. Under Potter, he has played as a wide attacker and wingback, posing a significant threat on the sides and while driving towards the center.
His greatest influence to date was against Wolves, when a second-half goal propelled the team to a 3-0 victory. When asked about the paucity of playing time for the US men’s international to that point, Potter stated, “He wants to play, he wants to help. But it’s just basic maths isn’t it? You can only pick 11, and there’s 24 of them.
“So unless somebody gives me a solution it’s just trying to work with the players, work with the group, understand that we need everybody, that’s clear for me. Then it’s about how do you get the players on the pitch in roles that suit them. And that role for Christian today [vs Wolves] was a good one, high wide left, he can attack the backline and he managed to score.”
Pulisic appeared to be on the verge of leaving the team in the summer, but under the new manager, his time could be prolonged.
Due to the fact that, according to 90Min, the Blues will be faced with a number of contract decisions in the future years, and the forward’s contract could be extended as negotiations are planned.
This change in fortune may be attributable to Potter, on whom Pulisic heaped praise in an interview with the Guardian.
“He’s been good. He’s come in and the way he’s worked with the players and communicated with the players has impressed me the most. We had a great start with him,” said Pulisic.
“We’ve had some difficulties in recent weeks but I think he’s working through it and I think the guys have received him quite well. We’re excited. There’s going to be good things going forward.”
It remains to be seen whether he will continue at the club for a lengthy period of time. However, this shift in opinion may be attributable to Potter’s impact thus far and in the near future.
Why Christian Pulisic could extend Chelsea contract despite departure claims amid Graham Potter impact
