Christian Pulisic has maintained his stance of not being worried about his form after another scoreless outing for the United States.
Pulisic started both the defeats against Belgium and against Portugal during the international break, and failed to score in either. He hasn’t scored for Milan in 2026, and for the national team he is without a goal since late 2024, despite maintaining a leading role for both.
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Of course that doesn’t tell the full story, because the former Chelsea man has been arguably the Rossoneri’s most decisive player since arriving in the 2023 summer window, while he remains the flagship of the USMNT in the eyes of many.
Pulisic walked through the mixed zone after the their 2-0 loss to Portugal on Tuesday and spoke to the reporters who gathered there. His words were relayed by The Guardian, and he retained a positive outlook.
“It’s frustrating. But I am just going to stay positive. I have a lot of big things ahead and I know I’m going to get to the other side and things are going to click,” he said.
“[In] both first halves [against Portugal and Belgium], we caused both teams a lot of problems. We put a lot of pressure on them. We did a lot of great things. It’s just little moments, or just being a little bit more clinical. I feel really close, and I feel like we’re in a good place.”
Another rough night
ESPN gave him a 3 out of 10 again in their player ratings: “Highlighted by his frustration that led to an unnecessary yellow card, it was an off night for the attacker, who had questionable decision-making playing as a striker. Despite the fact that it wasn’t his natural position, he failed to take advantage of his chances.”
Meanwhile, GOAL awarded him a 5: “Yes, he’s graded on a curve, and yes, he was often involved in the USMNT’s best moments, but boy, did he really need to see one of those hit the back of the net. He came close, but it didn’t happen, which means the discussions about his form continue on.”
He also gave a few comments to TNT Sports (via MilanNews) about his form and his fitness, revealing that there are no concerns regarding his physical condition.
What do you take from this break?
“We’re obviously disappointed with the results, but honestly, I take a lot of positives with me. I think we were closer than we seemed: a couple of situations could have gone in our favour. I still feel positive and I have faith in this team.
“We applied a lot of pressure in the first halves of both games, we were able to create some chances: if I had been able to convert them, as I should have, things would have been a little different. And on a couple of occasions, we lacked concentration and conceded goals. But I think positive things await us.”
How are you?
“Physically, I feel really good, I feel really fit. I think I can do a lot of good things: help my teammates with assists, score goals, and create opportunities. Obviously, not being able to do that right now is frustrating, but I think I’m close and there are good things on the horizon.”
Pochettino will bench him if he keeps it up like this. He has already missed 30+ top chances this year. One news article about him and he falls apart mentally for months…
No one asked you though.
Mauricio Pochettino:”We are USA competing against Belgium, Portugal. Belgium and Portugal have top 100 players, a few or some. I think we don’t have”… Like I’ve said, he’ll bench him soon.
Bb, don’t you have some random insults to write about opponent players? In that cowardly way you know best? 😂😂
I have better things to do. I’m not living in my parents’ basement like you sad little kid.
Oh, you mean Pochettino’s last game managing, he’ll do that? Because it will be.
Anybody who thinks CP is missing a minute of this World Cup, barring injury of course, is delusional.
He just needs to keep healthy. The goal(s) will come.