https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/
pulisic-on-what-potter-has-changed-in-training-reeces-recovery
Pulisic on what Potter has changed in training, Reece's recovery and
relishing big games at the Bridge
22 Oct 2022
Ahead of this evening's mouth-watering meeting between fourth and fifth in
the Premier League, Christian Pulisic has been discussing the impact of
Graham Potter and his belief that good friend Reece James will return
better than ever from his current knee injury.
https://i.imgur.com/hVkWoXH.jpg
Pulisic made a positive half-hour cameo appearance off the bench during
our goalless draw at Brentford in midweek and scored on his most recent
start, our 3-0 victory against Wolves earlier in the month.
However, the USA international has played just 291 minutes for the Blues
in all competitions so far this season and is eager to establish himself
as a more regular feature of Potter's resurgent side, which will require
patience and adaptability.
'It's been really positive,' he said of the first six weeks under the new
head coach. 'We've seen some good results and some very positive things
that we can take forward and continue to push this season.
'Whenever there are adjustments in the game, we just have to give our best
in whatever position, whatever formation and with whatever we're doing.
It's just about sticking together as a team. That's our number one
message - fighting to win the game together.
https://i.imgur.com/oLZaTet.jpg
'We're not far off at all. In recent weeks, we've made a lot of changes to
put ourselves in a good position and the results have started to come with
the performances we've put in regularly. It's about being consistent now
and continuing that.
'The way we're moving now, there's only good things to come so we'll just
continue with this mindset. It's what this club does well and continues
the fight to win trophies. We're keeping that same mentality.'
Potter's early days have focused on tweaks rather than wholesale changes
to the team's approach and preparation, though there is one factor at
Cobham that Pulisic notes as particularly different under the new head
coach.
'The number one thing is we're training in bigger spaces now, which is a
bit more like the game,' he added. 'That means some longer runs and that's
the number one thing I'd say I've noticed.'
One player not involved in those recent sessions is Reece James, who
suffered a knee injury in the Champions League win at AC Milan that is
expected to keep him sidelined until after the World Cup.
Pulisic concedes the defender's absence is a big loss for the Blues and
England, who the American is set to come up against in the group stage in
Qatar, however he is adamant that the 22-year-old will come back stronger
than ever.
'We never like to see it,' he continued. 'Reece has been unbelievable with
the way he's been playing recently for club and country. He's obviously a
really close friend of mine so you hate to see him go down but I know
that's not the end of him.
https://i.imgur.com/WUPY4Wu.jpg
Reece James hobbles off in the San Siro
'We all know it. He's going to continue to fight, get himself ready as
soon as he can and when he's back he'll be flying again.'
While Chelsea are unbeaten in six matches under Potter, tonight's
opponents United have mustered a five-game undefeated run of their own
since their 6-3 loss in the Manchester derby at the start of October, with
their midweek win over Tottenham strengthening the progress made under
Erik ten Hag.
Pulisic knows these big clashes are fraught with danger but he is
relishing the crackling atmosphere and tension that comes with such
decisive matches.
'It's never an easy game,' he said. 'They have strong players, there's no
doubt about that. They've had ups and downs just as we have but whenever
we play against them, they're always at their best and ready to go. We're
expecting a very solid team and a good match.
https://i.imgur.com/RYUfFqs.jpg
Pulisic scored a brilliant goal last season in a home clash with Liverpool
'For us, it's about sticking to our principles and what we've done well
for so long, staying strong defensively. Recently that has looked really
good so we just have to find the balance of that and use our attacking
options to try and break them down.
'These are exactly the games you want to be in, playing against a top
opponent at Stamford Bridge. There's nothing like it when the fans are
behind us pushing us on.'