FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — United States men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has praised Christian Pulisic as “a special player” and expressed confidence that the forward will break his scoring drought and perform well for the USMNT at the upcoming World Cup.
Pulisic has not found the back of the net for either club or country since the beginning of the year, spanning 21 matches. His most recent goal was during a 3-0 victory for Milan against Hellas Verona on December 28.
His goal drought for the USMNT is even more extended, with his last score in a U.S. jersey occurring during the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against Jamaica on November 19, 2024, which marks eight matches without a goal.
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During a roundtable with reporters on Thursday, Pochettino stated his belief that Pulisic will soon return to his goal-scoring form.
“For me, [Pulisic] is a special player,” the U.S. coach emphasized. “It’s a pleasure for us to work together over these three weeks to help him regain his confidence. We firmly believe in him and have confidence that he will excel.”
“Of course, he hasn’t scored in the last, I don’t know, six months. But I believe he will score in the World Cup. Yes, I trust in that.”
“I have full confidence in him. He exhibits a great attitude and is working hard to reach his best level, and I believe he will definitely achieve that.”
Heading into the tournament, Pulisic will benefit from having an in-form striker alongside him in Folarin Balogun of AS Monaco, who scored 19 goals across all competitions this season.
U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams noted that Balogun’s presence will create more space for Pulisic to operate.
“He occupies center backs, which is crucial,” Adams explained about Balogun. “If a center back has to watch for his runs, and then you have Christian and Malik popping up in between the lines, it simplifies my job because I can play either behind or to feet.”
“He poses a significant threat; it’s a big advantage.”
Balogun was confident he could carry his strong club performance into the World Cup.
“It’s essential to bring that belief into the national team and onto the biggest stage of all, the World Cup,” Balogun told reporters. “I have a lot of confidence in myself and high expectations; I know I possess the quality to perform at this level.”