The AC Milan star, Christian Pulisic, has spoken to the microphones of Sports Illustrated about different topics.
Here are some of his words:
“In some ways, I’ve changed a bit, grown up a bit as a person, as a man, [figuring out] the path I want to take in my life. I don’t think I’m that much different. I think everyone goes through it as a football player. You go through different stages in your career. Sometimes you change clubs. As anyone gets older, you start to figure out who you are, exactly what you want, what direction you want to take in your life."
On his previous experience in Germany, Pulisic said:
"[The Bundesliga] really taught me how to become a professional just because that was my first step... The Premier League was just dealing more and more with the pressure that comes with, I think, England and the Premier League. Now with Milan, It’s been the perfect step for me [because] the club put a lot of trust in me right from the start and I had a really good start. I think it’s taught me a lot more [about] consistency and playing at the highest level."
On Sergio Conceicao, Pulisic:
"It’s tough when you get a new manager [for him] to really put his stamp on things, especially when he comes in the middle of a season. [It can be] really difficult because you’re playing every couple of days."
But early signs show Conceição could end up being a pivotal figure in Pulisic’s club career, much in the way that new U.S. men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino could be on the international stage.
“I think [for me I just need to] continue working like I am,” Pulisic says. “I think putting more of a focus on the intensity against the ball for me. And because I feel like when I’m doing that, I’m in a good place … just to be free with the ball and to take risks. I think [Conceição] is very clear on that for us attacking players, especially to make sure that you’re not afraid.
“I think [he’s] just very, very passionate. You can tell the passion that he has for the game and just his winning mentality. … He really cares and that’s what you need in a coach.”
Pulisic also spoke about the backing of the club and staff at Milan:
"Getting off to a good start, making me comfortable and just giving me the confidence to be one of the best players and to have that confidence to express myself and to feel a bit freer in my game. I’m very free when I’m on the pitch now, and confident. I think that’s one of the best things that you can have as an attacking player, especially in football. All the people from top to bottom have really given me that trust as well as my teammates who make me feel really comfortable and welcome."
On being almost always available, Pulisic said:
"I think that’s one of the biggest superpowers that you can have, as a footballer, to stay fit as long as you can. Players always have their ups and downs throughout their careers. For me, it was just finding more consistency. In some ways, playing more regularly can help in a lot of ways in finding that rhythm."
About Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
"It’s been a good relationship, I think right from the start. I think he told me straight up what I can expect from the club. … Once you get to know him he’s pretty straightforward. He’ll tell you exactly what he’s saying, what he’s thinking, which is important for me. I think through some of the tough times as well in the club, he’s reached out to me … He cares a lot about the players. He asks, ‘How’s your head? How’s your head doing’ … Because he wants us to be able to arrive at training and have everything focused on what’s going on the pitch. And I think he makes sure that he tells us if everything is good away from the pitch, that you’re going to be good and everything’s going to be fine.”
Things have been more than just fine at Milan. His performance in the Supercoppa Italiana final was just one of many that showcases the level Pulisic has played to since arriving in Italy. “It felt like a final, you have those nerves. You just want to get out on that field and play. It was crazy in [Saudi Arabia] because the games were around 10 p.m., so you’re waiting around all day, you’re anxious to play.”
Pulisic on scoring on his debut with Milan:
"Debuts with the club, you never forget … the biggest time is the first home game, when you really feel it wearing the home jersey with the black and red. When you go in San Siro, that’s the moment when you come to Milan. Putting on the shirt, the pressure, the nerves, but also the excitement and what comes with the club."
He concluded:
"I think when you look at dreams, it’s winning the biggest trophies in football, being able to celebrate with your teammates after long, hard seasons."
