Matt Miazga hoping to get look-in at Chelsea from new head coach

Matt Miazga is currently on international duty with the United States, alongside fellow Chelsea player Christian Pulisic, as they look to defend their 2017 Gold Cup title as the best national team in CONCACAF.

But after the Gold Cup, Miazga is far less assured of his future. Pulisic may be the great big new Chelsea hope, but Miazga has spent the last three years out on loan (Vitesse, Nantes, Reading) and will be turning 24 in a month. While he does have three years left on his Chelsea contract, it will soon be time to make some tough decisions.

But first, he’s hoping for at least one more chance at Chelsea proper, especially with a new head coach coming in.

“It’s going to be an interesting few weeks coming up, hopefully. Obviously my main focus is the Gold Cup with the national team and contributing here. I’ve been in touch with my agent and Chelsea. We’re due to speak with Chelsea very soon and see what’s next.”

“Obviously there’s news now that Sarri is leaving, so you never know what can happen with the coaches, if they want to take a look at you.”

The last look-in Miazga got was from Guus Hiddink in the second-half of the 2015-16 season. He’s since spent time in the Netherlands and France, and finished out last season at Reading after his loan in Nantes turned very sour.

Things were better in Reading, where, alongside fellow loanee Lewis Baker, he was instrumental in the Royals avoiding relegation. Miazga’s an optimist, too, so he’s taken it all as a learning opportunity.

“I had a lot of good learning experiences in France playing in the beginning, and then a new coach coming in and having to re-earn their trust. And then going to Reading and playing football matches under a lot of pressure in a relegation battle.

“I thought I grew a lot this year.”

-Matt Miazga; source: MLS

A return to the Chelsea first-team may be a bridge too far for him, but with a solid attitude like that, you never know.

Either way, good luck to Miazga and Pulisic as they begin their Gold Cup journey with tonight’s group stage match against Guyana.