Pulisic on Milan slump, USMNT and Chelsea criticism: ‘I plan on scoring goals’ | OneFootball

Christian Pulisic explains how he approached his Milan debut, dealing with the current crisis, his experience at Chelsea and preparing for the USA’s World Cup. ‘I plan on scoring goals.’

The USMNT striker was given the rare honour of being the cover star of Time magazine, as the country gears up for co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico next month.

In a series of interviews, he comes across as serious and focused on his career almost to a fault, with friends and teammates urging him to loosen up.

Pulisic wants to shut critics up

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan reacts after seeing his team concede a third goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Pulisic was one of the first Americans to really make a name for himself in Europe, at Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and now Milan, but also faced a great deal of criticism.

“When people say that it wasn’t a successful time, it is interesting to me, because I feel like that’s how everyone’s career kind of goes,” said Pulisic of his Chelsea spell.

“It’s not just constantly soaring up.”

He made an immediate impact at Milan after the move in 2018, scoring on his debut in the 2-0 victory over Bologna.

“I didn’t do so much thinking and listening to all types of instruction,” says Pulisic. “I was just like, ‘You know what? I’m just gonna go play.’”

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan is challenged by Ardian Ismajli of Torino during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

This attitude has served him well so far, but it has all gone wrong in 2026, failing to score a single goal in all competition for the Rossoneri or the USMNT.

When Time asked how he planned on dealing with this incredible slump in form, he was brusque.

“I plan on scoring goals. Such bad questions. I’m not concerned about it, man.”

Yet when he does reflect on previous difficult moments, such as when he was left out of the Gold Cup squad last June, it becomes evident why the current form has been so frustrating.

“That time was difficult for me, because normally I can shut people up with my play. That’s what I’ve done my whole career. I’m in my offseason, so like people are just talking about me, and I can’t just go freaking score and shut them up.”

He has been playing consistently, but not scoring or shutting people up.

“Going at the goal, creating attacking actions, for me, that’s why I play the game,” he noted when discussing his approach.

“You obviously have to do all the other parts, defend and run, different things. That’s fine and all. But what gives me joy and excitement is creating ways to score, and scoring goals and finishing them.”

AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 10: Christian Pulisic #10 of United States warms up before the international friendly match between United States and Ecuador at Q2 Stadium on October 10, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)

Pulisic insists he believes America could win the World Cup, but has no intention of making any promises.

“That’s just not how I work. But I can sit in my bed at night and picture holding up the World Cup trophy. I did that as a kid. I’m not going to stop. You have to believe. Why not?”