Christian Pulisic has given an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport, discussing his start to life in Milan, what it’s like to work under Stefano Pioli and his willingness to go in goal for the Rossoneri against Genoa had Olivier Giroud not stepped up before him.
The US-international has been in fine form since moving to San Siro from Stamford Bridge this summer, registering four goals and an assist in his opening eight appearances in Serie A.
His most recent league strike came against Genoa, in the 87th minute no less, to help his team on their way to a memorable 1-0 victory.
A few short minutes after Pulisic’s late goal, ‘keeper Mike Maignan was sent off, and with all five substitutes having already been used, Giroud stepped up to replace him, eventually pulling off an impressive late save one-on-one.
“A truly crazy match,” Pulisic said. “I had never seen a teammate go in on goal to replace the sent-off goalkeeper. A little bit of everything happened in those final minutes, but the match seemed like it was never going to end.”
Asked if he was prepared to have a go between the posts, Pulisic replied: “Yes, I was ready, I told my teammates that I could go between the posts. Then Giroud also asked to go in goal and the goalkeeping coach, also considering his height, thought he was the better choice.
“I think I would have gotten away with it if it had been up to me but it was better that way, in the end Oliver was extraordinary.”
There had been a lengthy VAR-check after Pulisic’s goal against Genoa for a possible handball, although the officials eventually decided that the goal was legal.
“Those situations are always unnerving, then after a while you start to be pessimistic and think that ait will be a negative outcome. This time it went well. In my opinion, though, it was the right decision,” Pulisic said.
“I controlled the ball with my chest and it slipped on the armpit, but I didn’t hit him with my arm. According to the rules, it’s not a foul. When I scored I didn’t even think there would be an issue, in the end it was right to give the goal.”
When asked how he has taken to life in Italy, Pulisic responded: “Really great, I’m really happy. I’m starting to get to know Italian culture and it’s all very nice, the fans are extraordinary. They immediately made me feel at home, their support is fundamental and it’s giving me a lot.”
Asked who in particular had helped him settle in, the former Borussia Dortmund winger explained: “A bit of everyone but in particular I have to thank players like Tomori and Giroud, guys I already knew from Chelsea, who gave me the right advice to best immerse myself in this new reality.”
“I’m lucky to have a national teammate like Yunus on the team. To tell the truth, with Team USA we rarely see each other, so it was nice to have the chance to establish a great friendship off the pitch.”
Then came his assessment of Pioli, a man who he believes has a great wealth of experience behind him.
“He’s an excellent coach, as well as being a person of great depth. He encourages you to give your best without making concessions but he’s also ready to cheer you up and help you when you make mistakes. I feel his trust and that’s fantastic. I’m really happy to have him as a coach.”