Bundesliga
Pulisic: "We'll never give up"
Christian Pulisic insists Borussia Dortmund will not give up in their pursuit of the 2018/19 Bundesliga title, despite falling four points behind leaders Bayern Munich after being held to a 2-2 draw by Werder Bremen on Matchday 32.
Dortmund surrendered a 2-0 lead in Bremen, and must now win their two remaining games of the season against Fortuna Düsseldorf (h) and Borussia Mönchengladbach (a), whilst hoping Bayern do not take more than one point from meetings with RB Leipzig (a) and Eintracht Frankfurt (h).
Anything more from the defending champions - who have a far superior goal difference - and BVB’s dreams of landing a first Bundesliga title since 2012 will be over.
"We’re never going to give up," Pulisic told bundesliga.com after Dortmund dropped points for the seventh time in 2019. "We know we can do our part now, and it just comes down to Bayern losing a few games, but we’re never gonna give up."
Watch: Christian Pulisic reflects on Dortmund's draw with Bremen
Dortmund appeared to be crushing to a comfortable victory at the Weser Stadium following first-half goals from Pulisic and Paco Alcacer, but Bremen hit back in a costly five-minute spell in the second period. Goalkeeper Roman Bürki fumbled in an effort from substitute Kevin Möhwald, before captain-for-the-day Manuel Akanji was punished for conceding possession in his own area by former Bayern striker Claudio Pizarro.
For Pulisic - who made only his seventh Bundesliga start of the season, in the absence of suspended captain Marco Reus - it was a veritable game of two halves.
"It was a really tough game today,” admitted the 20-year-old USA international. "We had a great first half, but we didn’t come out with that same energy, that same intensity in the second half. I’m not sure what it was. We just let them play their game, they’re a good team, and in the end we have to win that after the first half."
The professional that he is, Pulisic was never going to discuss his own performance on such a disappointing night for the Dortmund collective - but that doesn't mean we can't. The Chelsea-bound attacker opened the scoring with a quite brilliant solo run and finish. He also covered more ground (7.6 miles), won more tackles (19) and attempted more shots on goal (six) than any other BVB player.
Put simply, it was Pulisic at his very best: direct, energetic and a real nuisance in the final third. With Reus ruled out once more against Fortuna, Captain America can expect to be given another leading role in the Black-Yellows' hour of need. He's one star-spangled reason why Dortmund are still in with a shout at pegging back Bayern - even if the mathematicians favour the record champions.