Kalidou Koulibaly warns Chelsea that he ‘needs to play regularly’ to get into shape, is pleased with the clean sheet against Milan and ‘didn’t expect Napoli’ to be so good this season.
The former Partenopei defender had not been used for a single minute of football since Graham Potter took over from Thomas Tuchel, but he was given a start at Stamford Bridge in this evening’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Milan.
“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,” Koulibaly told Sky Sport Italia.
It was pointed out to him that he got stronger as the game wore on, having seemed rusty in the opening minutes.
“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.”
It remains a very tight group, with RB Salzburg top on five points, Milan and Chelsea on four, then Dinamo Zagreb three.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Koulibaly’s former Napoli teammates are on top of the world right now, leading the Serie A table alongside Atalanta and runaway Champions League group leaders after demolishing Ajax 6-1 last night.
“They are playing so well, I am very happy for them. I spoke to a few players and the coach, I am very pleased for them. I honestly didn’t expect them to be that good, but I am very glad! I hope they can keep going like this, I say nothing about the League because I know how superstitious the Napoli fans are!”