Lalas Calls Allegri's 'Sensitive' Label Risky for Pulisic
FOX Sports analyst Alexi Lalas described AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri's label of Christian Pulisic as "very sensitive" as the worst comment a coach can make. Lalas raised the concern on his "State of the Union" podcast amid Pulisic's 18-match goalless streak for Milan. The remark arrives with the 2026 World Cup weeks away for the United States team.
Allegri made the comment after a recent match, noting Pulisic lets scoring droughts affect him deeply. "He’s a player who gets into tackles and struggles more. He suffers more from this," Allegri said. Lalas added that Pulisic has matured into a top American player but remains emotional and impacted by external factors.
Pulisic ranks fifth in U.S. men's national team history with 32 goals in 82 appearances. He became the youngest American to reach 10 international goals in 2019. His form has dipped internationally too, with no goals in his last seven matches; his most recent came in a September 2024 friendly against New Zealand.
Pulisic scored the winner against Iran to advance the U.S. in the 2022 World Cup. The 2026 tournament runs June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico, ending at New York New Jersey Stadium. All 104 matches air live on FOX and FS1.
