USMNT star Caleb Wiley sets lofty aim for Paris Olympics and reveals how he dealt with pressure of Chelsea transfer

Wiley is in the midst of a memorable summer after signing for Premier League side Chelsea from MLS side Atlanta United ahead of starting an Olympic campaign with the USMNT. The Stars and Stripes are set to open their campaign against tournament hosts France on Wednesday, with Wiley aiming for a place on the podium in Paris.

He told the Associated Press: "A medal. That's what we're going to fight for. And I have full belief that we're going to do it."

Wiley also spoke about how he coped with the pressure of knowing he was set to join Chelsea: "I think for me the most important thing was staying present. It's been an ongoing thing for a while now, for a few months. Just knowing where I was, staying focused with Atlanta at the time and then now with the Olympics has helped me kind of just be in the moment. I think it's important to, to enjoy it first. You know this doesn't happen to too many kids and so I think [you need] to embrace the feeling."

It's a tricky opening game for the United States against a France side that's packed full of talent and hoping to win gold on home soil. The two teams will both be hoping for a strong start before going on to play Guinea and New Zealand in Group A. Spain and Argentina are also among the favourites heading into the tournament, while Japan are seen by many as potential dark horses.

Wiley will hope to bring back a medal from Paris but could be set for a swift return to France. Chelsea are planning to loan him to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg for next season where he can continue his development and enjoy regular game time.

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