Europe’s elite on alert as Chelsea star grows impatient with lack of playing time

The Thomas Tuchel era at Stamford Bridge is in full swing, with the Blues undefeated in the German’s 11 games in charge so far. 

Tuchel has addressed the defensive woes which scuppered Chelsea’s silverware hopes during Frank Lampard’s tenure, and the German’s relentless rotation has also allowed seemingly out of favour players the chance to show their worth.

One player who has struggled to make an impression under Tuchel, however, is USA forward Christian Pulisic, who is yet to start a single league game under the German manager.

According to the Daily Mail, the 22-year-old is growing increasingly frustrated at his lack of playing time and could seek an exit from Stamford Bridge in the summer if his situation doesn’t improve.

Pulisic hasn’t started in nine league games under Tuchel

The story also suggests that several of Europe’s biggest clubs are keeping tabs on the player, with a view to potentially making a move for him if he does seek a move elsewhere.

Many Chelsea fans are bewildered at Tuchel’s repeated snubs of Pulisic, as the two worked together at Borussia Dortmund and the former actually gave the forward his first starts in senior football during their time together there.

Tuchel apologised to the player for ‘not giving him a fair chance’ since taking over at Stamford Bridge, after the American was substituted on in the 90th minute of the Blues’ 2-0 victory over Everton on Monday evening.

The winger had looked like Chelsea’s best player when football resumed after a covid imposed break at the end of last season, but he has managed just two goals in 25 appearances this term – partly due to injury troubles.

A £58 million signing from Dortmund just two years ago, Pulisic had been seen by many as a potentially crucial part of the team for the foreseeable future, however his lack of playing time could mean that his time in South West London could be up sooner rather than later.