Brad Friedel tells Christian Pulisic he can ‘really benefit’ from Thomas Tuchel sacking and gives verdict on Chelsea summer signing Gabriel Slonina
Posted by  badge Boss on Sep 22, 2022 - 01:24PM
Brad Friedel believes Christian Pulisic could revive his Chelsea career (Picture: Sky Sports)

Former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes Christian Pulisic can ‘really benefit’ from ’s sacking at .

German manager Tuchel lost his job at Stamford Bridge earlier in the month after an underwhelming start to the 2022-23 season.

Chelsea had dropped points in half of their Premier League games and lost their opening fixture to Dinamo Zagreb.

Friedel says Pulisic could be one of the beneficiaries of Tuchel’s departure, with the USA international only starting one of Chelsea’s eight games so far this season.

Much was expected of Pulisic when he completed a £58m move from Borussia Dortmund in 2019 but the 24-year-old has largely flattered to deceive and has been strongly linked with a move away from Chelsea.

‘From a United States fan perspective, I want Pulisic to play more, and I want him to do well in the World Cup,’ Friedel told .

‘He may really benefit from Thomas Tuchel leaving, because things weren’t going incredibly well on the playing front in terms of starts and minutes on the pitch.

Pulisic had slipped down Thomas Tuchel’s pecking order (Picture: Getty)

‘Again, I don’t know what Graham Potter’s views are of him, but he is a new head coach so he is going to give him a chance: I am sure of that at some stage.

‘But he might be one of the players who really benefits from a managerial change.’

Friedel also delivered his verdict on Chelsea summer signing Gabriel Slonina, who joined from MLS side Chicago Fire.

Slonina, 18, became the youngest goalkeeper ever to start an MLS match when he made his debut for Fire in August 2021.

‘I know Slonina well,’ he added. ‘I have watched him a lot and he is one for the future.

‘Chelsea, in my opinion, are not signing him to play right now. I would assume they would be looking for loans for him.

‘Chelsea, look at their number 1 and 2, and the amounts they paid for them, and the amounts they pay to them, and their ages.

‘There is a long way to go to be Chelsea’s number one. I would assume they purchased him as a project for the future.’

Chelsea drew 1-1 with Red Bull Salzburg in Potter’s first game in charge. The Blues return to Premier League action on October 1 against Crystal Palace.

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