“One should not belittle a champion”- Udinese icon jumps to the defence of Chelsea newboy’s slow start

Former Serie A defender Valerio Bertotto says Kalidou Koulibaly will come good at Chelsea

Speaking to Calcio Napoli 24 Report (h/t Football.London), former Serie A defender Valerio Bertotto has backed Chelsea centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly to come good at Stamford Bridge after signing for the Blues during the summer transfer window.

Bertotto also said that the Chelsea fans should not belittle Koulibaly, following the former Napoli star’s slow start to life in West London. Signed for £33m from the Italian club in July, the 2022 AFCON winner made an unconvincing start to his Premier League career despite scoring a wonderful goal against Tottenham Hotspur very early in the season.

His red card against Leeds United followed by a meek showing against Southampton showed that he needs time to settle down in a new league.

Here’s what Bertotto said about the 31-year-old (h/t Football.London):

“One should not belittle a champion like Kalidou. [He] did well at Napoli and will continue to do well at Chelsea.”

The former Udinese player might have gone a bit strong on the Chelsea fans here. There haven’t been any questions raised about Koulibaly’s slow start by the majority of the fan base. Everyone is aware that a player coming from a different league can take time to settle in new surroundings.

The Senegal international has been one of the best centre-backs in Europe till the end of last season when he was playing for Napoli. An under-par first couple of months at Chelsea does not change his elite status as a player quality-wise.

Koulibaly is yet to start a game in the two managed by new boss Graham Potter. During the international break, the 31-year-old was not concerned about his place in the Chelsea team and showered a lot of respect for the manager.

With the qualities he possesses, it would be a matter of time before the former Napoli starts games for the Blues again. Wesley Fofana’s underwhelming start to his Chelsea career could pave a way for Koulibaly to replace him and partner Thiago Silva.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly to target three positions for investment next summer
• Chelsea manager Graham Potter seeks clear the air talks with Romelu Lukaku about the striker’s future
• Patrick Vieira backs Conor Gallagher to keep fighting for his spot in the Chelsea team

The Blues are up against AC Milan on Wednesday in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge. It would be interesting to see what defensive combination is selected by the manager for that game.