Tuchel lifts the lid on Pulisic's lack of action at Chelsea

The American winger has started just once in Tuchel’s first six games as the Blues manager.

Christian Pulisic was left benched against Newcastle for tactical reasons alone, says Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who has backed the American star to ‘make an important impact’ later in the season.

Pulisic has started only one of the German’s opening six games in the Blues dugout in a 1-0 FA Cup win over Barnsley last week.

The 22-year-old, who previously made 55 appearances under Tuchel in their time together at Borussia Dortmund, had to settle for a spot on the bench in Chelsea’s 2-0 triumph over Newcastle on Monday.

But Tuchel insists there is no reason to be concerned by Pulisic’s lack of action.

“Today the first change was already made in the first half from injury and Christian was a tight decision on whether he starts again after the [FA] Cup game, or if he comes from the bench and another 11 starts,” said the Chelsea coach as quoted on ESPN.

“Unfortunately, we only have three changes which makes it very, very difficult to give time to the players to play what they deserve and to have an impact. It makes it difficult as the third change, you don’t want to use that too early.

“So we did what we always do the middle of the match we only think about what can help you win the match.

“Christian absolutely deserved to start, he deserved to come in, so I hope he keeps on going and I’m absolutely sure he will be an important influence for us and make an important impact for us in the future.”