Christian Pulisic assesses Milan hopes of Champions League progression

One of the leaders of the United States national team is Christian Pulisic, who, after missing the November international break, returned to action with AC Milan in Serie A on Saturday. This was followed by his involvement in the starting eleven for what turned out to be a painful defeat against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League penultimate group game. This loss significantly hampers their chances of advancing in Europe’s premier club competition.

Pulisic turns focus to final Milan game

After the setback at San Siro, the USMNT star expressed his disappointment in the mixed zone.

“Obviously, it’s unfortunate, but even after they scored, we came back and got one and then kept pressing. I thought we had good momentum towards the end of the first half, and then we came into the second half.

“A lapse in concentration allowed them to get two goals. It wasn’t our day. They defended well and sorted out some transition moments. Like I said, there are some positives we can take from this. But you know, all we can do is focus on trying to win the last game.”

Milan’s coach Stefano Pioli also spoke after the game.

What does Milan need to qualify?

Pioli’s squad is on the brink of missing out on Europe’s top club competition but there is still some hope. They need to defeat Newcastle in Matchday 6 and rely on Dortmund defeating Paris Saint-Germain. This scenario would place them with eight points in the second position in Group F, sending PSG to the Europa League, and the English team out.

If they draw or lose against Newcastle on English soil, the Rossoneri will officially bid farewell to the ‘Old Continent’ until the 2024-25 season. In that case, they would need to win Serie A or finish in the top positions to return to Champions League competition. Pulisic, Musah, Giroud and co. must fully commit in the final week of group stage matches.