Carney Chukwuemeka signed for Chelsea a year ago because he thought he was going to get at least some game time, and he must be disappointed with how things have gone on that front so far.
After being underutilised last season, he already looks on a better track this term, and he has played a good bit of preseason, including a start against Borussia Dortmund last night.
The midfielder spoke to the Chelsea official website after the game about his personal development this summer and his goals for the campaign to come:
“Definitely [a great pre-season]. The togetherness of the group has been top, and we are gelling together. It’s been a good pre-season, unbeaten, it’s all we can ask for going into the Premier League season,” Chukwuemeka said.
“I’ve enjoyed my pre-season. During the summer I worked on seeing where I can affect the game. I’m 100 per cent sure goals are coming in the Premier League this season.
“For me personally, my aim is to break into the first-team. I have set myself targets for goals and assists and to help the team win games and trophies. But my target is to break into the first team. It’s been an amazing trip. We are looking forward to getting back now and getting ready for the start of the season,
“[Pochettino] said to me just to express myself, play with confidence and freedom. He’s put belief in me. He said to do what I can do and the rest will follow.”
The departure of so many midfielders around him has certainly cleared a path to first team minutes, and if manager Mauricio Pochettino likes him as much as it appears from these early signs, Carney could get the minutes he wants and needs at last. Last season’s struggles could soon be forgotten.
