Pulisic in the Middle of Controversy

Winger Opposes Reports of Any Issue with AC Milan Manager

AC Milan star Christian Pulisic has vehemently denied reports of a rift with manager Sérgio Conceição following the club's disappointing Champions League exit to Feyenoord. Italian publication La Repubblica had claimed the American was unhappy with Conceição's "rigid methods" and had requested to leave the club, but Pulisic. Still, quickly took to social media to dismiss these allegations.

"I never argued with the coach, and I never asked to leave," Pulisic stated. "I'm very happy at Milan and want to keep wearing this jersey. Reading these lies is unacceptable, but we'll all stay united and keep fighting on the field for the club and our fans."

Conceição has also addressed the controversy, expressing frustration with persistent media "lies" that make his job more challenging. The Portuguese coach revealed that Pulisic is not currently at full fitness. This explains his recent substitutions in both legs of the Champions League playoff and his appearances from the bench in Milan's last two league matches.

"Pulisic doesn't have 90 minutes in his legs," Conceição explained ahead of Saturday's Serie A clash with Torino. "For the style of play I want, he needs to be intense for the full 90 minutes."

Despite his fitness concerns, Pulisic trained with the group ahead of the Torino match and could feature in an attacking lineup alongside João Félix, Rafael Leão, and Santiago Giménez. The American will be eager to put the controversy behind him and help Milan recover from their European disappointment. Conceição is considering whether to start all four attackers or opt for a more balanced approach by including Yunus Musah in the lineup.