By OkayGoal 
Christian Pulisic has yet to play a single minute under new manager Ruben Amorim, but the U.S. Men’s National Team and AC Milan star already has his head coach’s backing.
Pulisic is preparing for a bounce-back campaign under Amorim as AC Milan aims to be a title challenger in Serie A. The 27-year-old Pulisic enjoyed a stellar first half of last season for the Rossoneri, scoring 10 goals in all competitions.
However, Pulisic struggled over the final five months, failing to score a club goal, which led to ample criticism ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
A leg injury in the USMNT’s 4-1 Round of 16 loss to Belgium delayed the start of Pulisic’s preseason under his new Portuguese manager, but things are ramping up as domestic play gets closer and closer to kicking off.
Amorim is focused on getting the best out of Pulisic this season and already knows how special he is in the squad.
“Pulisic is a really talented player,” Amorim said during AC Milan’s preseason camp. “Of course, he had an injury again in the World Cup that we need to assess…I know the strengths of Pulisic. I believe in him; he will be supported in our club.”
“I know he had some criticism after the World Cup elimination, but I am here to say we believe a lot in him, have a clear plan to use all the qualities that he has, so I can say to you that Pulisic is really important for us,” he added.
Pulisic’s versatility can see him in a number of different roles under Amorim, whether that be as a winger, attacking midfielder, or even a false No. 9. He mainly featured as a winger during the FIFA World Cup, delivering some impactful moments in the group stage against Paraguay and Turkey.
Amorim seems to already have his plan for Pulisic’s position on the field, admitting that plans could change centered on the USMNT star’s abilities.
“I have a clear idea of where I want him [Pulisic] to play,” Amorim said. “Especially with the right foot on the left side, it is the perfect position for him. He can play the other side also, inside too and not on the line.”
AC Milan will close out its preseason schedule on Saturday against Manchester United before opening Serie A play on August 23 against Torino.