Chelsea attacker Christian Pulisic has affirmed that he is excited for a "fresh start" at Stamford Bridge under Graham Potter.
The USA international failed to become a consistent starter for Thomas Tuchel, despite the pair having worked with one another during their time at Borussia Dortmund.
Pulisic has gone eight games without registering a goal or assist in any competition this season, although he has only featured from the first whistle once - lasting 60 minutes in a 2-1 win over West Ham United.
The 24-year-old has also amassed just 21 minutes of action in the Champions League so far, with Mason Mount, Hakim Ziyech, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz also competing for attacking spots.
Pulisic's lack of action has led to speculation surrounding a possible January exit, with Serie A giants Juventus supposedly in talks over a £31m move for the attacker.
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However, speaking to ESPN while on international duty, Pulisic hinted that he wanted to open a new chapter in his Chelsea career following the arrival of Potter.
"I'm feeling good going back, honestly. I have a fresh start now, and I'm excited to play for the new manager," Pulisic said. "So really just looking forward to it. I just have to prove myself, as everyone does, and as I've done before."
Pulisic endured a dismal international period with the USA, who fell to a 2-0 defeat to Japan before being held to a goalless draw by Saudi Arabia in the build-up to the 2022 World Cup.
The Chelsea man missed out against Japan after picking up a knock in training, but he recovered in time to play 76 minutes of his country's 0-0 stalemate with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Pulisic will come up against some of his Chelsea teammates as the USA tackle England, Iran and Wales in Group B, and he is confident that the USA will be a different force to be reckoned with come November.
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"I think, obviously, not the results that we were really hoping for going into the World Cup, but we're not going to feel too disappointed going into those games because now we have a fresh start and we're going to go into that World Cup flying," Pulisic added.
"We just have to do everything we can to make sure we're prepared and ready to go when that time comes. [We need to] do everything that we can to prepare your body physically, mentally, as best you can to be prepared once that time comes. And if everyone does that, I think we're going to be in good shape for the World Cup."
Pulisic has accumulated 25 goals and 19 assists in 123 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions since linking up with the squad in the summer of 2019, winning the Champions League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup in that time.
Potter will take charge of his first Premier League game for Chelsea on Saturday, as the Blues travel to meet Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park following the postponements of their clashes with Fulham and Liverpool.
Ben Knapton
