Kalidou Koulibaly Defends Chelsea Spell After Move to Saudi Arabia
Kalidou Koulibaly has defended his spell at Chelsea after sealing his move away from Stamford Bridge, insisting he was let down by decisions of the ‘coaches and the club’ and given no guarantees over playing time. The Senegal international completed his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal on Sunday, leaving west London just one year on from his £32million arrival from Napoli.
Tasked with filling the void left by the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, Koulibaly struggled in what was a tumultuous season for the club, playing under three managers in Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and interim boss Frank Lampard.
Having sealed his move to Saudi Arabia, the centre-half has now admitted he was not happy with his frequent bench role at Chelsea – starting just 20 of their 38 league games. He also insisted the ‘coach’s and club’s choices’ prevented him from recapturing his best form in England, moving on to ensure he is playing regularly ahead of Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign at the start of next year.
Koulibaly’s Struggles at Chelsea
Koulibaly had been tasked with filling the void left by the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen (Picture: Getty)
Koulibaly arrived at Chelsea with high expectations following his impressive spell at Napoli, but he was unable to replicate that form in England. He started just 20 of their 38 league games, with his lack of playing time attributed to the ‘coaches and club’s choices’.
The defender was also hampered by the arrivals of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, as well as Levi Colwill being primed for a first-team role under Mauricio Pochettino. This meant that Koulibaly was deemed surplus to requirements following the conclusion of the 2022-23 squad.
Koulibaly’s Decision to Leave Chelsea
Koulibaly admitted he was not happy with his frequent bench role at Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
Having grown frustrated with his lack of playing time at Chelsea, Koulibaly decided to move on in order to ensure he is playing regularly ahead of Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign at the start of next year.
Speaking about his decision to leave Chelsea, Koulibaly said: ‘I had no guarantees to get regular playing time [at Chelsea], I was always professional but I don’t like to sit on the bench doing nothing. I prefer a place where I am wanted and at the centre of the project and can be an example for young players.
‘The Premier League is fantastic and there are great players. They expected the Koulibaly of Napoli, but I think my season was not so bad. I needed time and in one year I couldn’t prove what I wanted because of the coach’s and club’s choices. My time had come and I had to make a decision. My teammates sent me so many messages, they are all sorry, but I have to prepare for the AFCON. It’s the most important thing for me, Senegal want to win again, but it won’t be easy.’
Conclusion
Kalidou Koulibaly has defended his spell at Chelsea after sealing his move away from Stamford Bridge, insisting he was let down by decisions of the ‘coaches and the club’ and given no guarantees over playing time. The Senegal international completed his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal on Sunday, leaving west London just one year on from his £32million arrival from Napoli.
Having grown frustrated with his lack of playing time at Chelsea, Koulibaly decided to move on in order to ensure he is playing regularly ahead of Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign at the start of next year. He admitted he was not happy with his frequent bench role at Chelsea and that the ‘coach’s and club’s choices’ prevented him from recapturing his best form in England.