USMNT star Christian Pulisic has called on his side to produce a pair of good performances as they take on Ecuador and Australia in international friendlies over the next week. The Milan attacking midfielder's comments come on the back of a difficult stretch for the U.S., who went 1-1 last month and lost the Gold Cup final. Pulisic has been in fine form for his club side.
'We understand where our team is at'
Pulisic urged the USMNT to improve their performances at a post training media appearance Thursday in Austin, Texas. The Milan attacking midfielder, who was named Serie A Player of the Month, outlined that the side have shown good moments in recent months, but need to string together consistent results as a World Cup year approaches.
"Good performances. We want to put on good performances," he said. "We want to come out with good results. As simple as that, we want to kind of understand and know where our team is at, and have a good feeling going forward as we get closer to the summer."
On Thursday, though, USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino said that Pulisic was one of three USMNT stars – including Antonee Robinson and Alex Zendejas – dealing with minor injuries that could impact availability for Friday's match.
"We have some issues with some players like Christian, who didn't train today, and Antonee Robinson," Pochettino said. "We have to assess tomorrow if he'll be available. Alex Zendejas is also facing something, some issues, and we don't believe Alex will be part of the game tomorrow.
"That is the circumstance that we have and we need to deal with it, but I'm not going to play about that. The players who are going to play, for sure, they are going to perform."
Advertisement'I worked really hard this summer'
Pulisic's encouraging comments come off the back of a controversial period between Pulisic and the national team. He elected to skip out on the Gold Cup over the summer, citing a need for rest to return to full fitness ahead of a hectic campaign.
He disputed any claims that he took a entire summer off:
"I worked really hard this summer. It's not like I just took a break as well," he said. "I wanted to make sure that my body was in the perfect spot coming into the season, and I wanted to start really strong. I worked really hard. It's just been consistency and the work I've put in. And it's good to see it, yeah, come to fruition."
The impact of Pochettino
Pulisic also hailed the impact Pochettino, despite the perception that their relationship was strained over the summer. The Argentine has been in charge of the USMNT for a year now, and Pulisic said he was encouraged by the atmosphere around the group.
"It's been good. It's always great to be a part of this team," he said. "I think we're settling in… It's about trying to build good performances, one after the other. After last camp, feeling good, and now we have a great opportunity. So I think it's been a good year."
Getty ImagesTwo tricky matchups
It won't be an easy stretch for the U.S. Even though they are set to play two home fixtures, Ecuador and Australia – both ranked in the top 25 of the FIFA world rankings – will likely prove tricky opponents.
The USMNT will meet the South American side in Austin on Friday night, before traveling to Colorado for a matchup with the Socceroos next Tuesday.
