Thomas Tuchel admitted that Christian Pulisic deserved a start for Chelsea against Newcastle United after staying on the bench on Monday night during a 2-0 win.
The 22-year-old was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge as goals from Olivier Giroud and Tim Werner helped the Blues climb into the top four.
Pulisic started against Barnsley on Thursday night in the FA Cup victory in Oakwell, but provided a poor performance like Hakim Ziyech, and both remained on the bench against Toon after that.
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Mason Mount and Timo Werner were given the climate to play No. 10 behind striker Steve Bruce, but Tuchel admitted after the match that it was a difficult choice.
As quoted by football.london, he said: “Today the first change has already been made in the first half due to injury and Christian was a very strict decision if he starts again after the cup match or if he enters from the bench.
“We decided to start eleven more. Unfortunately, we only had three changes that make it very difficult to give players time, let everyone play and influence the changes of fresh legs. It makes it difficult and we didn’t want to use the third change too soon.
“During the match we did what we normally do, and that is to just change to win the match. It deserves to start or enter, but I could only use three guys. I hope it will continue and make an important impact on us in of the future. “
Pulisic missed Chelsea’s last Premier League game against Sheffield United due to family problems and will want to step aside when they face Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
Chelsea will now have a few days off for physical and mental recovery before preparing to visit the Saints West London.
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