Christian Pulisic concedes he was ‘hurt’ by Frank Lampard’s decision to leave him out of the Chelsea team but says he will ‘keep working harder’ in order to get more playing time at the club.
The 21-year-old has been left on the bench on four occasions this campaign, while he failed to make Chelsea’s matchday squad for their victory over Lille in the Champions League last week.
Pulisic started as a substitute once again on Sunday but came on to provide an excellent assist for Michy Batshuayi’s goal which sealed Chelsea’s 4-1 victory over Southampton.
‘That’s my job. I’m in an attacking role and I’m going to do the best I can, to try to get goals and assists,’ said Pulisic.
‘I think that’s been good so far, so I just want to continue to work hard. I want to be starting. I want to be starting every game.
‘I’m working hard in training. I want to be there. I hope everyone can see that, so with moments like this I hope I can make a case for myself.
‘I’m not just going to throw a fit and give up ever, so if I’m on the bench it doesn’t mean the gaffer doesn’t think I’m a part of the team, I’ve just got to keep pushing and earn my spot.
‘I did the best I could with the minutes I got. I tried to help the team as best I could. I guess I’m happy but I’m going to keep working harder, and I’m never going to stop trying to get more minutes.
‘Of course, you want to play, be on the field and be in the team as much as you can, and it hurts not to be there, but I’m happy I got my opportunity.
‘Competition in the team can only make me better and I think that’s what makes teams, it’s guys who are maybe not the second or third man, but they are pushing each other in training every single day. That’s what a good team is all about.
‘[Lampard] likes players who work very hard and show a lot in training and I just have to continue to do that, do my best in training and try to earn my position.
‘Culture-wise, it’s been easier than Germany to be honest. From the football side, I guess you could say that [I am still adapting].’
