What Happened to Christian Pulisic? Why is Pulisic Not Playing in Gold Cup?
by Mathelene
Updated Jun 30, 2023
What Happened to Christian Pulisic?
The stage has been set for the 17th edition of the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2023, where the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) will aim to defend their title. However, Christian Pulisic, a key player for the USMNT, will not be available to represent the Stars and Stripes in the tournament.
The USMNT recently made an announcement regarding the coaching staff for future competitions. Gregg Berhalter, the head coach, has been confirmed to remain in his position for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, for the Concacaf Gold Cup, Berhalter will not be in charge. Instead, interim coach BJ Callaghan will continue leading the team for the duration of the Gold Cup. This decision means that the USA will be without the guidance of their regular head coach during the tournament.
Furthermore, the USMNT will be without many of its most prominent and renowned players for the Gold Cup. Christian Pulisic, who plays for Chelsea in the English Premier League, will be the most notable absentee. His absence will undoubtedly have an impact on the team's performance, as Pulisic is considered one of their key players and a significant contributor to their success.
The absence of Pulisic and other renowned players raises questions about the team's strength and ability to perform at their best in the Gold Cup. However, it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth on the international stage.
With interim coach BJ Callaghan at the helm, the USMNT will need to rely on their collective efforts and the skills of their available players to compete for success in the tournament. While Pulisic's absence is undoubtedly a blow to the team, it will be interesting to see how the USMNT adjusts their tactics and utilizes the talent at their disposal to navigate through the competition and defend their title.
Why is Pulisic Not Playing in Gold Cup?
Christian Pulisic, along with other players such as Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna, has not been included in the roster for the United States Men's National Team for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup. The decision to omit Pulisic from the squad was made in order to allow him to rest and recover after a demanding season that included his participation in the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
As a 24-year-old, Pulisic has been actively involved in both club and international competitions, particularly in Europe. The intensity of the European season, coupled with the physical demands of competing in a World Cup, can take a toll on players' bodies. In order to ensure the well-being and long-term performance of their key players, the decision was made to grant Pulisic a break during the Gold Cup.
This approach is not exclusive to Pulisic, as other prominent American players like Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna are also not participating in the tournament. The United States Men's National Team recognizes the importance of player welfare and the need for adequate rest after arduous campaigns.
By allowing Pulisic to rest, it provides him with an opportunity to recover physically, mentally, and emotionally, ensuring that he remains fresh and ready for future international competitions. This strategic decision also allows the coaching staff to assess and provide opportunities to other players within the squad, potentially giving them valuable experience and exposure at the international level.
Overall, the decision to rest Christian Pulisic for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup reflects a careful consideration of player well-being and long-term performance goals, allowing him to recharge and prepare for future challenges while providing other players with an opportunity to shine on the international stage.
Christian Pulisic Nationality
Christian Pulisic Nationality is an American. Christian Pulisic, the talented footballer, was born in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and he spent most of his early years in this city. Both of his parents, Kelley and Mark Pulisic, have a background in soccer.
They were collegiate soccer players at George Mason University, and Mark also had a career as a professional indoor soccer player for the Harrisburg Heat during the 1990s. After retiring as a player, Mark pursued a coaching career at various levels, including youth and professional soccer.
During his upbringing, Pulisic looked up to Luís Figo, a renowned Portuguese footballer, as his soccer idol. Figo's skill and style of play had a significant influence on Pulisic's development as a player. Growing up in a soccer-oriented family and being surrounded by the sport from an early age, Pulisic had a strong foundation and support system to nurture his talent and passion for the game.
His parents' own experiences in soccer likely played a crucial role in shaping his career and providing him with the necessary guidance and inspiration to excel in the sport.
Christian Pulisic Transfer
The departure of Christian Pulisic from Chelsea is gaining momentum as the transfer window enters its third week. The club, under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino, has been actively working to trim their squad ahead of the upcoming season and particularly the pre-season period. Several significant exits have already been announced, with Kai Havertz and Ruben Loftus-Cheek expected to follow suit.
Edouard Mendy and Hakim Ziyech are also likely to be among the players leaving Chelsea as the club ramps up its sales process. Meanwhile, Pulisic, who has faced speculation about his future, is still expected to make a move away. After two frustrating seasons at Stamford Bridge, both the player and the club are keen to facilitate a departure.
Pulisic has attracted interest from clubs such as Napoli, Juventus, West Ham, Lyon, and Crystal Palace, with some teams aiming to add an American player to their squad in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Italian sides, in particular, are exploring uncharted markets and have emerged as potential destinations. AC Milan, in particular, appears to be the frontrunner.
Discussions are already underway between Chelsea and AC Milan regarding the sale of Loftus-Cheek, with a deal reportedly agreed upon for £18 million ($22.9 million). Separate negotiations have also taken place regarding Pulisic's move to San Siro. Reports from Italy suggest that Chelsea is willing to lower their asking price for Pulisic to as low as £21.5 million ($27.3 million), despite having signed him for over £50 million ($63.5 million) in 2019.
However, there is no agreement between the clubs yet, and negotiations are ongoing. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano provided an update, stating that AC Milan is keen to pay less than €25 million (£21.6 million), while the player himself is eager for the move.
Chelsea's pre-season tour of America is scheduled to take place in just over two weeks. It remains uncertain whether Pulisic, who is arguably the most marketable and popular player in the United States, will still be part of the team by the time they travel. Pochettino is expected to focus on players he considers to be part of his first-team squad, raising questions about Pulisic's inclusion if he remains at the club during the preparation period.
Christian Pulisic Chelsea
Christian Pulisic officially joined the Chelsea squad at the beginning of the 2019/20 season. The agreement for his permanent transfer from Borussia Dortmund had been reached in January 2019, but he remained on loan at the German club for the remainder of that season.
Upon his arrival at Chelsea, Pulisic signed a five-and-a-half year contract with the club. His signing marked a significant milestone as he became the third American player in Chelsea's history, following in the footsteps of his international teammate, Matt Miazga, and Roy Wegerle.
The acquisition of Pulisic was a statement of Chelsea's intent to bolster their squad with promising talent. With his arrival, the club aimed to benefit from his skills, potential, and his growing reputation as one of the most exciting young players in world football. Pulisic's addition to the Chelsea squad brought excitement to both the club and its fans, who eagerly anticipated seeing him in action and witnessing his development as a player.
His presence also contributed to the club's efforts to expand its global appeal and capture the attention of American fans, who were particularly excited to see one of their own playing for a top Premier League club.
What Happened to Christian Pulisic? - FAQs
Christian Pulisic has not been included in the roster for the United States Men's National Team for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Christian Pulisic signed a five-and-a-half year contract with Chelsea.
Christian Pulisic was born in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Christian Pulisic looked up to Luís Figo, a Portuguese footballer, as his soccer idol.
Yes, Christian Pulisic's departure from Chelsea is rumored as part of the club's summer clearout. Italian media has linked him with a move away from the club.