Christian Pulisic, a standout player for the USMNT, has expressed his belief that his current club, Milan, will “figure everything out” amidst their ongoing search for a new head coach and management team. However, he declines to draw comparisons between Mauricio Pochettino and former coach Max Allegri, stating, “I understand what is expected of me.”
Pulisic is gearing up for the USMNT’s World Cup opener against Paraguay on Saturday.
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The American winger has yet to find the back of the net in 2026 and played with a Milan side that ended the 2025-26 season without securing a Champions League spot.
Following the season’s conclusion, the Rossoneri dismissed coach Massimiliano Allegri along with other key executives, and they are still in the process of hiring replacements.
“Milan is a prestigious club. I believe they will handle everything appropriately,” Pulisic told Gazzetta.
“I’m confident that everything will work out, and the team will rise back to its rightful place. For now, however, my focus is on representing my country.”
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates after netting the team’s first goal in a Serie A match against Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 28, 2025, in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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Keeping in touch with his teammates, Pulisic remarked, “I’ve been in contact with several of the guys, and they’ve wished me luck for the World Cup. I have some close friends in Italy whom I speak to every day.”
“There are quite a few Rossoneri representatives here at the World Cup. I’m not focused on the chance of facing them, but I wish them all the best. Recently, I spoke with Santi [Gimenez], who was the first to compete for Mexico. He was the one who broke through a significant barrier.”
USMNT coach Pochettino has been mentioned in connection with a coaching role at Milan. According to Gazzetta, the Rossoneri reportedly have a “principle of agreement” with the Argentine coach.
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“I only view him as my national team coach at this moment. Our relationship is strong,” Pulisic asserted. “We’ve had meaningful discussions over the past few days. I’m aware of what he expects from me and what I can contribute. I believe with him guiding us, we’re preparing as thoroughly as possible for the tournament.”
When asked about the differences between Pochettino and his previous Milan managers, particularly Paulo Fonseca and Allegri, Pulisic replied, “I don’t make judgements, but he is the first South American coach I’ve worked with in my career. It’s been a fantastic journey, a major discovery. I appreciate his enthusiasm and the football philosophies he brings, demanding high energy and intense efforts on the field.”
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Pulisic and Juventus midfielder McKennie are key figures for the USMNT.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Weston McKennie of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026, in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
“We truly grew up together; now both of us are making waves in Italy, me at Milan and him at Juve, but above all, we remain committed to our national team,” Pulisic remarked.
“In high-stakes games like this, especially with the pressure of a World Cup debut, it’s encouraging to look around and see teammates you’ve known since childhood. You genuinely want to fight for them, not let them down, and support each other. It’s this spirit that prepares us for our home World Cup.”