+

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Close
HomeQuizzoneWhatsappShare Flash Reads
 

Christian Pulisic has backed a $165 million German duo to make their mark at Chelsea this season after a disappointing first year in England

Aug 12, 2021, 16:29 IST
Insider
Pulisic celebrates with Havertz, Werner, and Hakim Ziyech during Chelsea’s pre-season win over Arsenal. Getty/Harriet Lander
  • Christian Pulisic has backed Timo Werner and Kai Havertz to make their mark at Chelsea this season.
  • The $165 million German duo both struggled during their first season in the Premier League.
  • "We know what they're what they're capable of," Pulisic told Insider.
Advertisement

Christian Pulisic has backed Timo Werner and Kai Havertz to make their mark at Chelsea FC this season following a difficult first year in England.

The German duo both moved to Stamford Bridge from the German Bundesliga last summer in big money moves.

Striker Werner arrived from RB Leipzig for a fee of $66 million, while midfielder Havertz was purchased from Bayer Leverkusen for a club record fee of $99 million.

Despite their hefty price tags, however, both players struggled to find their feet in West London.

Werner - who scored 34 goals for Leipzig during the 2019/20 campaign - managed just six Premier League goals in 35 matches, while Havertz often found himself benched by both Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel.

Advertisement

Pulisic, who also arrived at Chelsea from the Bundesliga in 2019, has backed both players to come into their own this coming season.

"I think there's a lot of confidence within the group, because of the way that last season ended," the American told Insider.

Chelsea ended last term on a high by winning a surprise Champions League title, with Havertz scoring the winner in the final against Manchester City.

"I think [Werner and Havertz] are starting to be more comfortable," he added. "We know what they're what they're capable of.

"It was a similar thing with me, and I think, hopefully, things will start to click and we'll have a very successful season."

Advertisement
Pulisic recently signed a long-term deal with global sports brand Puma. PUMA

Pulisic himself is also hoping for a strong 2020/21 campaign after what was an injury plagued last season.

The 22-year-old missed 14 matches through injury last term, but managed to reestablish himself as a regular in Thomas Tuchel's side towards the end of the term.

In pre-season, Pulisic started in Chelsea's 1-0 over Arsenal before coming off the bench in the club's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

"It's just good to get minutes in the legs after a long break," he said. "It's a good feeling and it just gets us excited to start the season.

"Pre-seasons are always tough, there's a lot of running, you've got to get yourself fit and ready to go for the season, but in the end, it's all worth it.

Advertisement

"I'm feeling good and hoping for a great start to the season."

Christian Pulisic spoke to Insider to mark signing a new long-term deal with global sports brand Puma, a partnership he hopes can further inspire the growth of American soccer.

"We're hoping that we can accomplish something special together," he told Insider.

You are subscribed to notifications!
Looks like you've blocked notifications!
Next Article