Struggling Chelsea defender vows to fight for long-term future

Kalidou Koulibaly joined Chelsea from Napoli last summer in a big money move that excited the fan base and promised much. 

However, he has struggled to live up to the reputation he carved for himself over several years in Serie A. 

The 31-year-old has been culpable for several poor moments at the back for Chelsea this season and has been a target of fan frustration.

Koulibaly has been a regular in the lineup, amassing 30 appearances in all competitions, but has rarely stood out.

“I know I’m not at 100% yet, but I think I’m coming to my level,” he told The Times.

 “Chelsea made a big decision to sign me and there’s a big desire in me to give back. I want to be part of this club for many years.

"This is not the year Chelsea were expecting, but sometimes when you have big changes, new proprietors, and half the team is new, everybody has to adapt. But we know how big the ambition is here and we’re going to work to win back the supporters' confidence.”

According to 90min, Koulibaly's future at Chelsea could be reviewed at the end of the season, with his place in the starting lineup for next season no longer guaranteed. 

Besides his own future, Koulibaly commended Potter's efforts and revealed the players would give everything for interim boss, Frank Lampard.

“It has been a crazy week: for the players, the new manager, the ex-manager, for the supporters," he explained. 

“When you change managers, it’s like you failed somewhere. You have to keep on fighting, and we’ll give everything. Our new manager is a big legend, so we have to be behind him. We know we can do better and we will.

Up next for Chelsea is a mouthwatering UEFA Champions League encounter with Real Madrid on Wednesday.