Christian Pulisic has been in fantastic form for AC Milan so far this season, but his new United States coach Mauricio Pochettino has said he is ‘concerned’ about the striker.
The American has established himself as one of the first names on the Milan team sheet, racking up six goals and two assists so far while starting his team’s nine games in all competitions.
But it is this kind of workload that is causing Pochettino some concern, as he shared on Wednesday ahead of the USMNT’s match with Panama on Saturday.
‘He plays every game, every minute. That is also something we are a little concerned about [about]’He told reporters. ‘Sometimes we have to protect [Pulisic]. We’ll see, because he arrived a little tired.’
‘He continued'[We need] to build a very good relationship with the club and try to help. And if we really need him, he has to be in shape, happy, strong and the quality is there, because he has a huge talent.’
Mauricio Pochettino explained on Wednesday that he was ‘concerned’ about Christian Pulisic’s workload
The forward has already scored six goals for AC Milan this season and has started all nine games in all competitions
Milan manager Paulo Fonseca told DAZN last weekend that Pulisic, his club’s top scorer, was substituted towards the end of his team’s 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina due to concerns over a hip flexor injury.
Nevertheless, Pulisic appears to be doing well as he has traveled to the latest US camp, with Pochettino speaking of the 26-year-old as ‘one of the best attacking players in the world’.
“I see a player who can help put the team in the place we want it to be now and in the future,” he added.
Pulisic is in good form for AC Milan and scored again last week vs. Fiorentina
When asked about that praise, Pulisic said“It’s nice to hear. For me, I still have a long way to go to reach the top, the absolute top. But I think I’m on the right track and I want to keep improving.’
Pochettino, hired last month following the dismissal of Gregg Berhalter in July, will take charge of the USMNT for the first time on Saturday in Austin, Texas.
The US will also face Mexico in another friendly on Tuesday.