Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has hinted at the possibility of Christian Pulisic becoming captain of the West London club next season should he perform better in the remaining matches.
Tuchel, who took over from Frank Lampard in January, led the Blues to an unbeaten run of 11 games in all competitions, with Pulisic confined to the bench.
Pulisic’s progress under Tuchel has been marred by some minor injuries, with the 22-year-old only earning one start, in the FA Cup against Barnsley. But, the German tactician insist the USMNT player is still in his plans.
“If he starts tomorrow, if he does brilliantly and if he starts against Atletico and if he scores two goals, then maybe he is the captain next season,” Tuchel said about Pulisic. “I know what you mean but this is too far ahead.
“We have so many games and he is in my plans. He is an important player and has the potential to be decisive for us off the bench.
“His job is to be ready like everybody else and when the moment comes, he has to be ready. This is what you sign up for at a club like Chelsea. There is no difference between Christian or anybody else.
“When you sign and play for Chelsea, it is part of the job description of a player to be impatient and patient at the same time. Impatient because all of my players are competitors and want to play every single minute, and this is what they all show every day, the hunger and the desire. This is what Christian shows.”
Chelsea will face Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon and the Blues have few injury concerns ahead of kick-off.
The only players out for Chelsea are Thiago Silva, who has had a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury, and Tammy Abraham, who has an ankle problem.
