Koulibaly 'calm' over Chelsea future and defends 'great manager' Potter

Suraj Radia

• 3 Mar 2023 11:40 GMT
• 2 min read

Kalidou Koulibaly has insisted he is ‘calm’ over his future at Chelsea after fears that he could already be surplus to requirements at the club following a tough start to his career in England.

The Senegalese international joined the Blues from Napoli last summer for £33 million but has struggled to hold down a place in Chelsea’s defence so far due to his inconsistent form.

Chelsea signed Benoit Badiashile from Monaco in January and the 21-year-old has often been preferred alongside Thiago Silva, prompting question marks over Koulibaly’s future.

NEW ERA: Why Badiashile could push Koulibaly towards Chelsea exit

However, the 31-year-old was unfazed despite reports that he may be moved on in the summer and believes he will eventually prove his worth to Chelsea after adjusting to the demands of Premier League football.

Speaking to The Sun, Koulibaly said: “It’s not a difficult season but I need time to adapt and I knew that. When I decided to come here I was well aware that it wouldn’t be easy. I have a three-year contract and I am calm. I have time to show everybody who I am.

Koulibaly: Potter is a great manager

Koulibaly also leapt to the defence of Graham Potter despite Chelsea’s run of just two wins in their last 15 games in all competitions.

Potter has come under immense pressure in recent weeks and the Blues boss was rumoured to be frustrated at the large size of his squad, with Chelsea’s extravagant transfer business leaving the team with around 31 players.

STRUGGLES: Why Potter feels 'undermined' by Chelsea

Despite Potter inevitably having to make tough decisions to leave players out of the team while also tinkering to find a way to end the club’s poor run of form, Koulibaly praised his manager for the way he handles his business.

“Graham Potter is very good at communicating with everyone. He doesn’t care if you cost £100million or £20m, he will treat you in the same way. That’s the mark of a great manager.”