‘I must play regularly’ – Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly responds to criticism

The Serie A champions were swatted aside by Graham Potter’s side at Stamford Bridge, with Wesley Fofana, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Reece James all netting in a 3-0 victory that moves the west Londoners up into second place in the group.

Koulibaly had not played under Potter prior to Milan’s visit, but a return to a back three formation saw the Senegal international restored to Chelsea’s line-up for the first time in a month.

The 31-year-old faced some criticism for his performance in spite of the win – with Fabio Capello saying he ‘lacked personality’ – but Koulibaly feels he is improving all the time and is still adapting to his new club.

In an interview with Sky Sport Italia, it was pointed out to the centre-back that he got stronger as the game wore on after looking rusty initially, and he replied: ‘I am a player who needs to play regularly, everyone knows that.

‘It is also true that I needed a period of adaptation, I am doing it well, I’m not perfect yet or what I want to be, but I’m getting there.

‘I am very happy with this victory and the clean sheet, as it is always pleasing for a defender to not concede. We can be glad because Milan are a great team and we proved today that we could beat them.’

He continued: ‘We knew this was a difficult match against a great Milan side, who were in good shape. We absolutely wanted to win this game, I am also glad to be back on the pitch and hope it will go better in future.’

The result lifts Chelsea off bottom spot in a very tight group, with just two points separating all four teams, and Koulibaly knows the return trip to San Siro next week will be a big examination despite a relatively routine win on Wednesday night.

He added: ‘San Siro in a week will be a huge game, a massive stadium, Milan are very difficult to beat at home, but we will go there trying to get the three points and knowing Milan too will do everything to win.’

Koulibaly came under fire after the win over AC Milan from former England boss Capello, who suggested the ex-Napoli defender is struggling to assert his personality on the Chelsea team and appears to be second-guessing himself.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, the legendary former manager said: ‘At Chelsea he has no personality. When he has the ball at his feet he hesitates. He is not playing quickly, he does not do what he did at Napoli.

‘At Napoli he commanded, he came forward, he made long passes, now he has the ball between his feet, he does not know who to pass it to and he always plays passes to someone only a few metres away.

‘Actually, he is surprising me. I thought he had a great personality, and for Chelsea he would be really important and explode straight away. And yet, at this moment, this is not him.’

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