Kalidou Koulibaly sends message to 'real coach' Graham Potter about Chelsea game time

Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly has sent a message to Graham Potter about his game time after Thomas Tuchel's dismissal.

The 31-year-old arrived from Napoli earlier in the summer, joining under Tuchel.

However, the German was dismissed and replaced by Potter earlier this month.

Potter's first match at Stamford Bridge saw Koulibaly benched in the 1-1 draw.

Referee Stuart Attwell shows a red card to Chelsea's Kalidou Koulibaly during the Premier League match at Elland Road. (Alamy)

Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella also joined the club, with Potter continuing to play a back three.

Josko Gvardiol has also been linked with a move to Chelsea, while Levi Colwill is likely to return at the end of his loan spell at Brighton.

Koulibaly's game time remains uncertain and has now sent a message to Potter, as well as discussing the manager's ability.

Speaking to Le Quotidien, as quoted by The Daily Mail, Koulibaly said: "The new coach came with some good ideas.

"He's a real coach. He did some good things with Brighton. Now he is a Chelsea manager.

"He has guidelines, expectations."

The defender continued to discuss his snub against FC Salzburg, admitting that he understands Potter's decision.

"It’s up to me to be patient, it’s up to me to show that I deserve to play, to show in training that the coach can trust me," he continued.

"Compared to this, there will be no problem.

Potter was appointed Chelsea head coach earlier this month (Image: Alamy)

"We are also in the first weeks, it is normal for the coach to rely on players who are used to the emblem of Chelsea and who have been there for a very long time."

Koulibaly finalised by sending a final message to Potter.

He said: "When I will be back at 100%, there will be no problem.

"I will play again."

Koulibaly will be hoping to earn his place back into the team when he returns from international duty.