Kurt Zouma has granted an interview to French newspaper L’Equipe which seems to be a series of questions designed to get hints from the player that he’s considering leaving Chelsea because of a lack of playing time.
Zouma was asked how it feels being at Chelsea this season but not playing, and replied: “I want to play, of course, especially me, after this very big injury that took time. But I must be patient, because the team is playing really well. But I learn by watching.”
Then L’Equipe pushed further and put it to Zouma that he’s increasing his absence from the game, after injury, by being at Chelsea and not playing enough, so the defender replied: “Time is added, so it’s unfortunate for me, but the team is playing so well that I have no other choice than patience. I do not despair. My chance will come. Of course, it burns my legs a bit, but I participate in my own way to the success of the team.”
Surprisingly, that wasn’t enough for L’Equipe, so they then asked Zouma how long he’s willing to wait until he gets his chance: “Logically, until the end of season. We will see at that time. At least I play in cup…”
Still, the French newspaper wasn’t having that so asked Zouma if it’s possible he can get back to his level whilst playing so little: “It is sure that I would find my level faster by playing, but I learn a lot. I know that, tactically, I had shortcomings, and I have worked hard to erase them, with the coach in the game or in training. I’m not worried compared to my level, I’m quite a confident guy and I know I’ll find him it sooner or later.”
And then the same type of question was asked from a different angle, with Zouma told that if he’s playing so little for Chelsea then it’s going to be difficult to get a France recall: “I’m aware. But I am confident. My time will come, and the France team will arrive too.”
Zouma has a grand total of 2 minutes Premier League pitch time so far this season. Added to that are two cup appearances for the club.
L’Equipe are frustrated on behalf of their compatriot, but Zouma clearly wasn’t willing to rock the Chelsea boat too much, and at 22 years of age he’ll know there’s no immediate panic about playing time.
Put under so much pressure to give answers questioning his own Chelsea future, Zouma sailed through it all quite well. Someone deserves a pat on the back for a media training job well done.
