Alan Pulido interview: “Winning a title is the most important thing”

Sporting Kansas City striker Alan Pulido has been one of the revelations of the season in MLS, firing a struggling team to the brink of the playoffs.

The Mexican striker missed the entirety of the 2022 campaign as he recovered from knee surgery. With Pulido still absent at the start of 2023 Sporting failed to win any of their opening five matches but his comeback goal against Seattle Sounders helped the team to their first victory of the season.

Since that moment the 32-year-old has transformed the team’s fortunes.

Pulido has struck 14 MLS goals since his return and was named the league’s Player of the Month for June. His incredible form has seen him shortlisted for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award and he is one of the favourites to be crowned MLS Comeback Player of the Year.

Heading into Decision Day the playoff race in the West is finely poised with five teams battling it out for three places. Sporting Kansas City need a win over rivals Minnesota United to stand a chance of making it to the post-season.

As the team prepares for a crucial weekend, we spoke exclusively to Alan Pulido about his injury recovery, hopes of an El Tri return, and targeting titles with Kansas City. Here’s what he had to say...

How is the team feeling after the win over Real Salt Lake?

“Really good. We’re happy, motivated and looking forward to Saturday. All we want is to win so we can qualify for the playoffs, that is the most important thing.”

The team has improved since your return. How does it feel to be a difference-maker again?

“I’m happy to be able to contribute to the team and help us win. And obviously players like Gadi [Kinda] have also returned, while others like [Daniel] Rosero have joined. They have helped us and made the team more comPetitive in all areas.”

Do you think you are a different player after the injury?

“I feel I’m still at the same level. Obviously, I’m not quite at 100% after coming back from surgery. But I feel really good, I have improved a lot, although the physios tell me you only really start feeling 100% again after a year. I think I’m in a good run of form. I feel like I’ve done a lot of good work and I hope I can keep working my way back to my best and stay there.”

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After 15 months out, have you seen any changes in the league?

“The reality is that the league has grown a lot. Now it is very comPetitive, especially with the arrivals of Messi, Busquets, Jordi Alba - it obviously gives the league a huge boost in terms of its image.”

“I think it has become one of the most attractive leagues in recent years, both in terms of playing style and the quality of players. Many players have also moved to European football, and that’s important for the growth of MLS.”

Do you think soccer in the US is in a good place leading up to the Copa América and the World Cup?

“Yes, of course. I think they’re doing good things here and MLS keeps growing and growing. It’s a very positive thing that benefits the country and the US national team. After all, they will host the 2026 World Cup, which is a very big thing and a source of motivation and growth.”

You are also in a good place; are you dreaming of a recall to the Mexican national team?

“Of course, it’s something I’m working towards. I hope I can get a call-up soon, I just need to keep playing at the level I’m at and scoring goals. Hopefully, we can qualify for the playoffs and I can get back into the national team. It’s a big challenge for me.”

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Have you spoken to Jimmy Lozano?

“No, I haven’t had the opportunity to speak to him. But I have seen the way they play, analysed their matches and I think they’re on the right track. Hopefully, I can be involved and get the opportunity to play. I believe that if I keep playing at the level I’m at, I’ll be called up soon.”

Last month you signed a new contract with Sporting Kansas City, congratulations! Do you have a favourite moment from this season?

“Yes, thank you. Well, I think it was when I scored 9 or 10 goals in a month. I went through a good spell and I think that’s why I’ve been able to extend my contract with Sporting for another three years.”

“I’m grateful and happy because I’m able to stay here and continue growing football-wise. Hopefully some trophies will come along, winning a title is the most important thing for me.”

After beating Minnesota last month, are you feeling confident ahead of Saturday’s crucial game?

“Well, it’s up to us. We know we’re at home and it won’t be an easy match because they also need to win to qualify for the playoffs. It should be a good, entertaining match, I don’t think it could be set up any better for us to win.”

“Qualifying for the playoffs in front of our fans, in our stadium. I think that gives us more than enough incentive to get into the playoffs with a win and continue our good run. But we have to remember it will be a tough match. Hopefully we can get the three points.”

You can watch Sporting Kansas City vs Minnesota United with the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.