Kurt Zouma has stated that he is happy to wait for his chance at Chelsea, and he is working hard to be ready to hit the ground running when the time comes.
Zouma joined Chelsea last january from Saint-Etienne but was immediately loaned back to the Ligue 1 club for the remainder of the season.
Stat Attack: Since 2011/12, Kurt Zouma has been dribbled past only 7 times in 63 appearances for Saint-Etienne.
The 19-year-old youngster is regarded as one of the most promising defenders of the game. However, Zouma has his opportunity limited at the moment since Chelsea’s squad already have a number of established centre-backs, but he is staying calm about his current lack of actions.
Speaking to LEquipe, Zouma said: When I was at Saint-Etienne and I didnt play, I immediately got upset. But I learnt.”
Now there are senior players, stars in my position, and they are doing a great job. I take my time. I am learning besides those defenders. I know my time will come.”
Jose Mourinho told me: Rafael Varane, I made him start against Manchester City. You have to be ready to play at any moment.”
I am using Varane and (Eliaquim) Mangala as role models. Nowadays they are in the French team and I hope to join them.”
Euro 2016 is an objective I set to myself. Even if it will be very difficult to get a position, the door is not so far away.
Despite the lack of actions, Zouma is enjoying life at Stamford Bridge and has revealed that he has early become a target for the clubs jokers.
Zouma: Diego Costa is very, very crazy. Ivanovic makes a lot of jokes too.”
“Afterwards the group laugh a little about my age because, well, I’m a big man for 19-years-old.”
“Even the coach when we were going for the blood test jokingly said, ‘Here, now we’ll see if you lied about your age’.”
“But really they’re cool, easy.
Despite the interest from clubs like Man City and Man United, Zouma opted for Stamford Bridge having been a Chelsea fan since childhood.
