‘Loan him out immediately’ – Chelsea fans call out wantaway star following reaction to Southampton defeat

Christian Pulisic has been criticised by Chelsea supporters after snubbing the travelling fans following the Blues’ 2-1 defeat against Southampton on Tuesday night.

The west Londoners took the lead on the south coast through Raheem Sterling but were pegged back just five minutes later when Romeo Lavia was left unmarked on the edge of the box from a corner, curling an effort past Edouard Mendy at his near post.

In stoppage time of the first half, Adam Armstrong then fired the hosts ahead after a slick move and Chelsea struggled to mount a fightback in the second period with Southampton actually coming closest to adding to the scoreline.

Thomas Tuchel brought an injury-hit squad to St Mary’s for the match, with the absence of a number of key personnel meaning Hakim Ziyech started – even though he has been in talks with Ajax over a transfer and is considered expendable by Chelsea.

Pulisic – who has made no secret of his desire for more game time – only made the bench, but was introduced after 66 minutes in place of the ineffective Kai Havertz.

The American showed a few flashes of skill down the right flank in his cameo but ultimately struggled to impact the match from what appeared to be a wing-back position, with Chelsea doing little to test Saints goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu in the closing stages.

After the match, the majority of Chelsea’s players went over to thank the travelling fans for their support in the game, with a few making apologetic gestures after a second away defeat on the bounce having been humbled 3-0 at Elland Road against Leeds.

But while all the players made their way to the away end, Pulisic was seen heading straight down the tunnel once the full-time whistle was blown without acknowledging Chelsea’s supporters.

At least thank us Christian Pulisic pic.twitter.com/mvHUC2XuhY

— ✌🏼 (@RRR95x) August 30, 2022

That prompted some furious reactions from fans with one saying ‘at least thank us’ while another wrote: ‘Shameful. He hasn’t played well in two years.’

Plenty of supporters feel Chelsea should now give in to Pulisic’s request to leave the club, with one supporter digging out both the United States star and Ziyech: ‘Get them out of the club tomorrow morning on loans and deal with them next summer!’

‘Pulisic is clearly not part of the plans,’ wrote another fan. ‘He asked to go on loan, blocked fair enough, too many outgoings. Two off-the-bench appearances, with 10 men or out of position, and people are coming for him expecting a madness. Focus on the main characters of this story today!’

Pulisic had been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle but Chelsea blocked the 23-year-old from leaving the club either on loan or permanently, with the former Dortmund man now resigned to staying at Stamford Bridge as a squad player.