Christian Pulisic has not had the easiest of years, but he is solely looking ahead to the World Cup on home soil with the United States.
Pulisic is among the big names that the USMNT expect a lot from in the World Cup that will start next Thursday. He is seen as a leader and symbol of the national team, but he goes into the tournament after a season of two halves.
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After beating Senegal in a warm-up game and with Germany to face in the final preparation game tomorrow, the USA will face Paraguay, Australia and Turkey in the group stage. It is quite wide open, with each of those sides feeling they have a big chance of reaching the knockouts.
Interviewed by the YouTube channel Men in Blazers, the Milan forwards addressed various topics from his personal situation to his mental preparation for matches, as well as his relationship with Mauricio Pochettino. MilanVibes relayed his words.
How do you face the criticism regarding your lack of goals?
“I don’t know. I don’t know how to answer that question. I try to face everything head-on. It’s all part of a career. I’ve been through moments like this before, so it’s a difficult time in general, having to face people and talk about it. I want to score in every game, obviously, but that’s not how the world works.”
Have you worked on your mental preparation for matches?
“Yes, I’ve done a lot of that, imagining situations I’ll find myself in, and I like to be as well prepared as possible for them. I’ve noticed that I’m not the type of person who thinks too much; sometimes it can get a little crazy.
“So I’m someone who likes to rely much more on instinct. There are things I like to visualise, but others I find much easier to live in the moment without thinking too much, because I tend to do that.”
Do you visualise goals?
“Yes, not necessarily specific goals, but movements and plays I’ll make in the match.”
How do you evaluate your performances beyond goals and assists?
“Not just stats, but also the plays you’re making. Sometimes they can be running stats, how you’re coming back, how you’re playing defense, runs you’re making to free up space for your teammates. Simple passes you make just to get the game moving.
“There are so many aspects of the game that aren’t just scoring goals and providing assists. I completely understand that’s what people judge strikers on; it’s important, but there are many other ways to influence the game.”
What is Pochettino like?
“He brings a lot of energy. And he also brings a touch of nastiness to the team, I think, in a positive way. We’ll go out on the pitch, press, fight. We’ll also do those little dirty things that help win games.
“It’s not just about everyone being nice and playing good tactical football. I think we have a good balance between the two. Putting the ball in their half, pressing, being annoying… I feel like the team has improved a lot in that regard.”
What is the coach’s message ahead of the tournament?
“It’s all about building momentum and team chemistry as we head into the tournament. We want to capitalise on these training sessions, learn everything we can, embrace this experience, and enjoy it as a team. It’s not every day you get to experience a moment like this, and it’s truly special.”
You will face Germany before getting underway…
“We’ve faced some strong European teams and haven’t gotten the results we’d hoped for, but we also had Senegal as an opponent, who are very good, so we’ll take confidence from that. We need to have that belief; it’s crucial.
“We have to believe we can beat anyone. If we can do that and put in another solid performance, I truly believe we can beat anyone. That’s the mentality we need to take on the pitch.”
Is the World Cup added pressure?
“If I can keep my mind busy doing things, trying to enjoy the experience as much as possible, and focusing on what I love, I don’t think about it too much. If you isolate yourself and think only about the game and the problems, then yes, the nerves come in waves.
“They’ll never go away completely; in fact, I think a part of me enjoys that kind of tension. But with experience, everything becomes easier and easier.”
What would success be?
“I think it will be finishing this tournament looking back without any regrets. I think of the guys who really gave it their all and set the country on fire, making it feel alive, and inspiring children across the nation.
“I don’t want to set a specific goal, but obviously we want to get through the group stage and then go as far as possible. We want to be proud of what we achieved as a team together and of having made this country proud.”
Do you have a message for the USA fans?
“They’ll see a team that brings an insane amount of energy and enthusiasm, and an exciting brand of football. We’ll press, cause problems for other teams, fight, and do all the little things to compete at our best.”
What will you tell yourself ahead of that first game?
“I’ll probably tell myself to enjoy everything and really take in the sights, especially before the match, because it’s a really special moment. In the previous World Cup, I think I took it for granted because I was so tense and worried about my performance.
“This time, I really want to look around and enjoy the experience. It’s an incredible honor to play in a match like this, so I’m just focusing on enjoying it and soaking it all in.”
