Tuchel Rules Out Pulisic Exit Despite Lack Of League Starts
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has dismissed rumours linking Christian Pulisic with an exit from the club.
Pulisic has reportedly grown disillusioned with life on the Chelsea bench as he is yet to start a Premier League game since Tuchel took over from Frank Lampard in January.
By contrast, the United States of America international started each of Lampard’s final seven league games as Chelsea manager.
Pulisic’s only start under Tuchel so far came against Barnsley in the FA Cup, leading many to speculate about a potential exit.
But Tuchel, who gave Pulisic his debut at Borussia Dortmund, insists the 22-year-old remains an important member of his squad and should be ready to perform when called upon.
"If he starts tomorrow, if he does brilliantly and if he starts against Atletico and if he scores two goals, then maybe he is the captain next season," Tuchel said about Pulisic ahead of Saturday’s game against Leeds United.
"I know what you mean but this is too far ahead.
"We have so many games and he is in my plans. He is an important player and has the potential to be decisive for us off the bench.
"His job is to be ready like everybody else and when the moment comes, he has to be ready. This is what you sign up for at a club like Chelsea. There is no difference between Christian or anybody else.
"When you sign and play for Chelsea, it is part of the job description of a player to be impatient and patient at the same time. Impatient because all of my players are competitors and want to play every single minute, and this is what they all show every day, the hunger and the desire. This is what Christian shows."
Pulisic’s only goal in 18 Premier League games this season came against Marcelo Bielsa’s men in a 3-1 win in the corresponding fixture at Stamford Bridge back in December.
