A message of support from one Frenchman to another.
In a recent interview with Goal, William Gallas has declared his support for Chelsea’s Tiemoue Bakayoko, who has suffered a difficult first season with the Blues.
Since arriving from Monaco in the summer transfer window, the 23-year-old has failed to emulate the performances he achieved in France.
That said, he was rushed into Chelsea’s team despite not fully recovering from a knee injury. At times this season, the midfielder has vindicated why the Blues spent a substantial amount of money to secure his signature.
His displays in our league victories against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were very promising, yet Bakayoko has failed to display consistency this season. His worst moment was being sent off in our 4-1 defeat to Watford in the league. He was even booed by a minority of the Stamford Bridge crowd on his return to the team against Crystal Palace.
Despite his troubles this season, William Gallas has backed Bakayoko to make an impact next season, signalling that this term is a transition period for the Frenchman.
“I would tell him to just ignore what people have said. Maybe they are right, so maybe you have to work more but don’t let people put you down because you play football.
“That was your dream to play football, and you made a lot of sacrifices to be where you are. Don’t let people put you down and take the criticism in a positive way. Try to finish the season well and be ready for next year.”
“You can prove people wrong because if you start to play well next season, everyone will say: ‘Oh yeah, Bakayoko is the best midfielder we have.’ Everyone knows how it works so just ignore what people say to you.”
“He has to adapt as well to Premier League football; you have to give him time. That’s why it is really difficult to speak before; I like to give time to the players and the manager. For me, if I have to judge him, I will do it next season. For me, this season is about adaptation.”
You can read the rest of the interview here.
What are your thoughts? Let us know!
