The Ghanaian shares his thoughts on the situation at his former club amid exit rumours of a host of names
Chelsea legend Michael Essien believes that limited playing time could force some top players out of the club's current set-up.
Centre-back Andreas Christensen is reportedly considering a move to Barcelona, having been reduced to a bench-warmer under new coach Maurizio Sarri, while the likes of Alvaro Morata, Cesc Fabregas, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Gary Cahill, Danny Drinkwater, Victor Moses, and teenager Callum Hudson-Odoi are all said to be reconsidering their future at Stamford Bridge due to limited opportunities.
“Every player wants to play,” Essien told the Express.
“Chelsea isn’t an easy place to come and the competition is very fierce.
“At the end of the day, all the players work but it’s the manager who will pick who he wants to play.
“When you’re not playing you get frustrated and you want to look elsewhere.
“It’s up to them really but they have to keep working and then everyone gets their chance.”
Essien spent nine years with Chelsea between 2005 and 2014, winning the Uefa Champions League title with the Blues in 2012.
The Accra-born also won the Premier League trophy on two occasions, the FA Cup title four times, the Community Shield twice and the League Cup once.
He netted 25 times for Chelsea. His ferocious left-footed volley against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final in 2009 was recently voted as his best by fans of the London-based club.
Essien also played for some other top European sides including Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Olympique Lyonnais.
Ruwbdikpyz
1
[santa]
sisqô13
1
what sarri is doing is terrible
cozemorsty
1
mr sarri must thing big with the team please we are tired.
Jizbikmpt
2
I hate what Sarri did to moses, honestly
Diaadkmsz
2
Sarri is partial in his selection of players for games. He has sole interest in certain players if even they are not performing to expectations
Diaadkmsz
2
I feel frustrated these days watching Chelsea playing, especially with old set of players who can't make any difference. There's a need for Chelsea to consider buying striker.
TraceBigs
0
when players don't fit a system they just fkin don't it's the simple
neffew
2
Sarri should pay attention to the best midfielder in his time, he needs to start rotating players than trust in his first team
potorico
3
the faults is critically form sarri, his rotation strategy is fucked..he so much believe in his formation and first eleven.. take a look at man city squad and how its being managed without even one complaint adding to the quality of stars in thier bench.. that's is why I don't feel bad sometimes when they sack a coach because they sometimes contribute to their own failure..
Akwanzo
0
Clear....Mike is calling for rotation
nuciltz
3
Essien is my roll model I when to be like him in my foot ball career I love him as player and parson and one of the greatest lagands in the world and the greatest in Africa football the Bison ESSIEN God will bless you all the days of your life
asiwome
2
For me I think the younger ones should have patience a little a player like Odoi .
UrbanLiam
0
Christensen considering a move to BarceloI have three questions for this- **Is he going there to sleep on the bench?? **Is he going there just to become a Barcelona fan like others??? **Is he going there to watch messi in training??? ###Next joke please
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Consider Pique's age and remember Umtiti is out injured. If Varmalaen can play in Barca, who is Christensen not to play?
Sihcdlops
0
no he s not
Wiyir
1
Essien was one of the few players that made it with Mourinho playing everywhere on the field except CFD.
Jibaepty
0
why do we have to call earlier everyone legends?
because legend are born and he is an African get that to your head
Fizceik
3
why do we have to call earlier everyone legends?
JceKingsley
3
Christensen considering a move to BarceloI have three questions for this- **Is he going there to sleep on the bench?? **Is he going there just to become a Barcelona fan like others??? **Is he going there to watch messi in training??? ###Next joke please
M_cAveli
2
Essien one of Ghana’s Maestro. The bull