Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly has made an honest admission regarding his role in the squad, stating that he is not at the club to replace Antonio Rudiger.
The German joined Real Madrid on a free transfer after his contract at Stamford Bridge expired.
Since his departure, Chelsea were desperate to bring in defensive reinforcements, with Andreas Christensen also departing.
Advert
So far, Koulibaly is the only defender to arrive at the club while the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Emerson Palmieri and Levi Colwill have returned from loan spells.
Napoli allowed the Senegal international to depart for £34 million during the final year of his contract, with Chelsea finally getting their hands on the long-term target.
However, Thomas Tuchel is still keen to bring in additional defensive reinforcements with several options linked.
Advert
The Blues have submitted a bid of over £50 million for Brighton and Hove Albion wing-back Marc Cucurella, with the Spaniard also able to play on the left of a back three.
Furthermore, Tuchel’s side are interested in Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana and could consider making a bid for the Frenchman, who would likely make up the back three at Stamford Bridge alongside Thiago Silva and Koulibaly.
Koulibaly, a more experienced option, will be keen to make his mark at Stamford Bridge as the Blues hope to challenge at the top of the table.
Speaking during a press conference ahead of the new season, Koulibaly was asked about the potential of replacing Rudiger on the left of the defence.
Advert
He said: “Antonio is a really good player. I know what he did for Chelsea. I used to play against him when he was at Roma.
“He did a lot at Chelsea and I’m happy for him when he joined Real Madrid, but for me it’s not pressure.”
The 31-year-old continued to reveal that he does not want to be known as the person to replace Rudiger, but wants to make a name for himself.
Advert
“I don’t want to be the guy who is replacing Rudiger,” he continued. “I am Koulibaly, another player, not the same player, I don’t play like him.
“I have different skills, another style, another idea of football, so I will try to do my best to give solidity to the team.”
Chelsea fans will be hopeful of Koulibaly’s ability as they look to improve on their third placed finish from last season.
The Blues open their season at Goodison Park against Everton on Saturday.
Advert
Topics: Chelsea, Kalidou Koulibaly, Antonio Rudiger, Football
Nick Emms