Tuchel urges Pulisic to ‘stay positive’ amid limited minutes

<p>LONDON &mdash; Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has urged winger Christian Pulisic to “stay positive” amid limited playing time and now a tight calf that leaves the oft-injured American questionable for Saturday’s visit to Southampton.</p>
<p>Tuchel on Friday sought to quell speculation about Pulisic’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge. Pulisic’s only start since Tuchel took over late last month was in an FA Cup match last week.</p>
<p>The German manager said it’s a "clear yes” when asked if he wants the 22-year-old Pulisic to stay at Chelsea.</p>
<p>“But it’s not only my point of view, we have to see. But for me, clearly yes,” Tuchel said. “Chelsea bought Christian for a reason — for his quality, for his potential and it’s our job to bring out the best in him.”</p>
<p>Pulisic, who made his Bundesliga debut under Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund, was an unused substitute in the 2-0 win over Newcastle on Monday.</p>
<p>He was withdrawn from training Thursday with calf tightness and is “a big question mark” for the Southampton match, Tuchel said.</p>
<p>“I would not say that it is an injury. In the moment it’s risk management,” Tuchel said, citing Pulisic’s history of injuries including a hamstring pull that kept him sidelined early in the season. “We are not concerned, we are not worried.</p>
<p>“The main thing for Christian is to stay positive, keep the head up and like I said before be ready because he can have a big impact when he starts and he can have a big, big impact when he comes from the bench with his intensity.”</p>
<p>There’s no doubt Pulisic has the talent, the manager said.</p>
<p>“He proved in many weeks that he has the level to be a Chelsea regular player, to have a big impact in this club. It’s a challenge now to hold this level … and to keep improving.”</p>
<p>Pulisic has two goals and an assist in 21 appearances this season across all competitions.</p>
<p>“There are absolutely no decisions made for summer," Tuchel said. "There’s simply no time for that in the moment.”</p>
<p>Fourth-place Chelsea has won four consecutive Premier League games and has a Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday.</p>
<hr />
<p>More AP soccer: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/soccer">https://apnews.com/hub/soccer</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Sports">https://twitter.com/AP_Sports</a></p>