Chelsea news as Kalidou Koulibaly speaks about his transition to the Premier League after receiving criticism in his debut season ahead of a huge clash against Real Madrid
Kalidou Koulibaly has admitted he hasn't been at his best since moving to Chelsea in the summer. The defender was signed for £33million from Napoli under Thomas Tuchel.
Despite his regular appearances in Chelsea's defence, his performances have regularly been criticised. Koulibaly seemed to be at fault for Ellis Simms' late equaliser for Everton before the international break.
Back in January, former Premier League striker Ian Wright claimed the defender looked 'nervy' after the 2-1 defeat to Fulham. "How can somebody be so fragile like Koulibaly?" he said on Wrighty's House podcast. "Koulibaly looks very [expletive] nervy and very anxious."
Until now, Koulibaly has stayed quiet on his start to life in the Premier League. But in an interview with the Times, the Senegal international has admitted his struggles. "I know I’m not at 100% yet, but think I’m coming to my level," he explained. "Chelsea made a big decision to sign me [last summer for £33million] and there’s a big desire in me to give back.
"I want to be part of this club for many years. This is not the year Chelsea were expecting, but sometimes when you have big changes, new proprietors, and half the team is new, everybody has to adapt. But we know how big the ambition is here and we’re going to work to win back the confidence of the supporters."
Chelsea's chances of securing a top four finish now seen all but over following the loss at Wolves. Attention now turns to the Champions League, with Real Madrid up next on Wednesday.