CHARLOTTE -- Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp warned the United States about putting "too much pressure" on Christian Pulisic after he watched the Borussia Dortmund forward score twice against his side on Sunday.
Pulisic's introduction at half-time sparked a second-half comeback from Dortmund to beat Liverpool 3-1 in the International Champions Cup fixture as the 19-year-old, playing in his home country, netted a penalty, coolly finished off a counter-attack for an 89th-minute winner and then set up Jacob Bruun Larsen's late strike.
Previewing the meeting with his former club, Klopp admitted he was a big fan of Pulisic, whom he tried to sign for Liverpool in August 2016, and the coach was equally impressed after the match.
"I didn't see anything new, just that he's a bit older and has new tattoos!" Klopp said of the 19-year-old postmatch on Sunday. "He's a fantastic skilled boy, and it's not a surprise to see.
"He's a smart player, and unfortunately the USA needs more of these players. He alone cannot do it all.
"Don't put too much pressure on the boy, hopefully you can have a few more of them and then play very successful soccer in the future. If Belgium and Iceland can go to a World Cup then so can the USA. I think he'll be fine."
Pennsylvania-born Pulisic joined Dortmund in February 2015, just three months before Klopp ended seven-year stay as manager at the Bundesliga side.
Pulisic, who will have a chance to play in his home state on Wednesday as Dortmund face Benfica in Pittsburgh, said he was enjoying his preseason preparations in the U.S.
"It was great to come out here and see the support for both teams. Two good opponents here, it was a really good game and I'm happy I could go and help the team," Pulisic said.
"[The U.S. crowd to watch European teams] doesn't surprise me anymore. I know we have great fans and the sport only continues to grow so it's great to see everyone out here.
"I think we're definitely looking strong as a team right now, personally I feel good as well, so I think we're looking good. We've still got some time but I hope we're 100% ready to go into the season."