United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has discussed the challenge of coaching Christian Pulisic.
He is undoubtedly the USA’s best player and always carries the highest expectations into major tournaments.
Many fans believe the USMNT’s World Cup fate almost entirely depends on Pulisic’s performance this summer.
It is Pochettino’s responsibility to put the AC Milan forward in positions to score goals and create chances.
Here are the Argentine coach’s comments on getting the best out of Pulisic ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino opens up on coaching Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic has shown signs of world-class ability at every stage of his career: Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, AC Milan and the USMNT.
Pulisic’s problem has always been inconsistency, as he struggles to perform at his highest level throughout an entire season.
The 2025/26 season with AC Milan was no different, as he started the Serie A campaign much better than he finished it.
The 27-year-old also went eight international games without scoring before his goal against Senegal last week.
However, Pulisic was in superb form in both of the USA’s World Cup warm-up matches (Senegal and Germany).
It seems as though Pochettino has unlocked his star player at the perfect time, as the World Cup starts later this week.
The former Tottenham manager admitted it has been “tough” to watch Pulisic fall short of expectations at times this season.
However, Pochettino feels confident Pulisic will show the world what he is capable of on football’s greatest stage.
“No, it’s true that it’s been tough, this season in Milan, because it’s true that this is not how he expected to be,” he said.
“But I think we really trust him. We really believe he’s a very, very good player and hope that he finds the possibility to show all the talent he has in our team.”
Pulisic will be looking to score his second-ever World Cup goal in the USMNT’s first group D match against Paraguay on Friday.
The USA have been handed a fortuitous group alongside Paraguay, Australia and Turkiye, which should see them progress to the knockout rounds.
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