Fonseca thanks USMNT coach Pochettino but Pulisic not tired

Lorenzo Bettoni

AC Milan's American forward #11 Christian Pulisic celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Italian Serie A football match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Ennio-Tardini Stadium in Parma, on August 24, 2024. (Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP) (Photo by PIERO CRUCIATTI/AFP via Getty Images)

Milan coach Paulo Fonseca thanked USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino for releasing Christian Pulisic but insisted the American star is not tired.

Pochettino sent Pulisic back to Milan last week after a USMNT friendly against Panama. Therefore, the ex-Chelsea star missed Tuesday’s 2-0 loss against Mexico.

“Let me thank Pochettino for releasing the player for the second game,” Fonseca said at a press conference on Friday.

Christian Pulisic celebrates during Inter vs. Milan (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“It wasn’t a competitive match, and he was sensible enough to make him rest. I liked his attitude. That being said, it’s the start of the season. If he [Pulisic] is tired now, what are we going to think after 20 games? Christian is in a great moment. He’s probably the most consistent player. It makes no sense to talk about fatigue at this point of the season.”

The Portuguese coach said the Milan star could play as an attacking midfielder tomorrow.

“Yes, also because Pulisic is not playing too wide now. He’s like an attacking midfielder on the right, so it’s possible,” admitted Fonseca.