AC Milan's Christian Pulisic sat down with those at DAZN and spoke about several topics. He started with how it feels like playing in Italy:
"The difference compared to anywhere else? I think it’s hard to say. I’ve learned a lot tactically here. I’ve faced many teams, and they all defend very well. The system is different, and so is the style of play. I’ve learned a lot since I arrived."
Do you feel more Italian since moving here?
"Yes, a little. I think you adapt to the lifestyle. It’s fun. Plus, my grandmother is Italian. I’ve always felt a little Italian."
Pulisic, what is your favourite dish?
"Funny, if you had asked me before I’d have said chicken parmesan or spaghetti with meatballs. But after coming here I’ve tried everything, and there are so many options. It’s hard to choose. I really like carbonara. Hard to beat it."
They call you 'Captain America'. What do you think?
“It’s a fun nickname. Milan captain? For now Captain America is fine. We’ll see what happens.”
Did you have an idol as a kid?
“Yes, a few. As a kid you follow the national team. One was Dempsey. I always followed him, especially at World Cups. I wanted to be like him. I liked his style, his attitude, the way he played. In Europe I admired many players, like Robben, Figo, and of course Messi.”
On his Milan experience:
“I’ve always trusted myself, even with doubts. At Chelsea there were tough moments, and you need to believe in yourself. I knew chances would come. Luckily I came to a club that gave me an opportunity and believed in me, from the coaches to the fans to my teammates. When you are put in conditions to play more freely, with that confidence, it means a lot.”
You kept your level under four different Milan coaches. What’s your secret?
“Hard to explain. I don’t change how I work depending on the coach. I’ve been consistent, with a good routine. The way I train and take care of myself keeps me steady," as relayed via Milan News.
On Massimiliano Allegri:
“His experience stands out, his methods, how he gets the best from players. He has been at Milan before. He doesn’t panic. After the first league loss to Cremonese we were upset in the locker room. He stayed calm, told us it was only matchday one, and to keep working, that we’d find the right path.”
What’s your secret to receiving the ball so often?
“Football is less about individual plays, more about teamwork. Compared to basketball, football is even more instinctive. You must know where to position yourself in the box, because that’s where goals come. Understanding and feeling the space, that’s my secret.”
Pulisic on never wasting a ball or forcing a play, like Messi:
“It’s important to know when to take risks, and Messi does that perfectly. There are moments when you feel more confident than others. Right now it’s easy to talk since I’m scoring a lot, but there will be tough moments too and you need to handle them. Messi is a master at that.”
On new teammates:
“The impact has been big. Rabiot, Saelemaekers, Modric too. We already knew their quality, but seeing them every day is different. Their hunger, what they bring, it’s great. It’s good to have such a disciplined group and to call them teammates.”
On Luka Modric:
“My family has Croatian roots, they’re big Modric fans. My cousins even named their dog Luka. I’ve never told him that. Training and seeing him daily is incredible. I try to learn as much as I can from him. We talk a lot.”
Do you feel a different attitude this year?
“Yes, we’re good. I know it’s still early, only October. It’s normal to hear rushed comments. Not everything is perfect. We’ll face tests soon, and that will define us. But I feel the trust from teammates and the club.”
On how coach Massimiliano Allegri lives games from the bench:
“He wants to win at all costs, his passion shows, like a true Italian. Seeing his energy on the sideline drives us even more. He’s a great coach, he fires us up.”
On his passion for chess:
"Yes, I enjoy it. My grandfather passed that passion to me. I used to challenge him with my cousin, two against one, and we always lost. In London I met Magnus Carlsen, we even played. He beat me in about seven moves. Incredible."
Could you enter Milan’s history?
"I don’t think about that," said Pulsiic. "Those names are unreachable. They inspire me. I’ll give everything for this team, I want to win and earn a place in Milan’s history.”
On seasonal ambitions:
“Our goal is to return to the Champions League. It feels strange seeing Milan outside this competition. We have a strong team and we’ll do everything to reach that goal.”
On facing Juventus:
"One of the strongest teams in Italy, always a rivalry. It will be a big game, a tough match. We must keep doing what we are doing. It won’t be easy, but we hope for a good result," he concluded.
