Former England boss Fabio Capello has explained why Kalidou Koulibaly is struggling in the Premier League. The 31-year-old joined Chelsea from Napoli in a deal which cost £33million and, initially, it looked like a great piece of business after scoring a superb volley on his competitive debut.
However, Koulibaly has become subject to growing criticism following his return from suspension after picking up a red-card in a 3-0 loss to Leeds United. He the proceeded to play a role in the Blues' defeat against Southampton a little over a week later.
And Capello believes that the Senegal international just needs to adapt to the speed of the Premier League after spending eight years in the Serie A. Koulibaly featured 236 times for Napoli in the Italian top-flight, establishing himself as one of the league's leading defenders.
"I would like to talk about the difficulties of Koulibaly at Chelsea," Capello told Sky Calcio Club. "In Naples, he was doing everything by himself. His problems now depend on the speed with which they play in England. It's the same pace used by Udinese to give Roma fits. It's something that must make us Italians reflect."
Tuchel said: "He's a fantastic player and has a fantastic personality. I am so happy with what I see, not only that we convinced him to come to the club but how he behaves and trains.
"I see a lot of quality and everything that is needed to be a leading figure at Chelsea," the German added. "He is a massive player for us, and there's no doubt about it."
Koulibaly has been one of Europe's most coveted defenders in recent years, though a move away from Napoli never materialised until this summer. He helped Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations in January and is a player of serious pedigree for what could turn out to be a relatively shrewd fee if he can take on board Capello's advice.
henrymadunagu
0
U can never see these English people criticize English players
you dey watch ball and follow news at all?
netadoptu
0
U can never see these English people criticize English players
Veyemostz
2
The guys don’t know nothing
Black_Bane
0
this is football’ not a law firm.....
BeRaw
1
How’s kouli struggling?? He gave solid performance: defended and scored a stunner on his debut…he can never go wrong despite the yellow…he’s new and catching up Speaking about a center half that is struggling?? Talk about maguire and van dijk…but you won’t will you??
Webcmopuy
5
Koulibaly is struggling and that’s a fact. But even Thiago Silva struggled at the start of his Chelsea career, and now look at him, as solid as a rock at 38 years of age. Koulibaly needs time to settle and when he does he will make the most of it.
Etilomi0147
0
He’s struggling and so is Van Dijk but no one will talk about him🤷♂️
DanielEtele
0
Koulibali is not struggling in the prem, if you want a center back who’s struggling this year then talk about VVD
Let’s be honest. He’s not been very good since his first game. He gives away the ball carelessly. The speed of play is still too fast compared to what he’s used to
bluebloods
7
Koulibali is not struggling in the prem, if you want a center back who’s struggling this year then talk about VVD