Kalidou Koulibaly has revealed two Chelsea legends warned him he would find the transition from Serie A to the Premier League anything but straightforward.
The Senegal international had been coveted by a succession of Chelsea managers in the past but eventually made the move to the Premier League in the summer to fill the void left by Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.
Koulibaly enjoyed an encouraging start under Thomas Tuchel but suffered a chastening experience in a 3-0 defeat during which he was sent off for two bookable offences.
The 31-year-old has struggled to hold down a place since the appointment of Graham Potter with an injury rendering him unavailable for the last three matches.
Koulibaly returned to first team training earlier this week and could be available for tomorrow night’s Champions League game against Dinamo Zagreb.
The former Napoli captain has vowed to underline his importance to his new manager and knew it would take time for him to adapt to the rigours of English football.
‘The beauty of football is also this, I arrive with a coach who wanted me at all costs and then he leaves,’ Koulibaly told Corriere della Sera.
‘Both Tuchel and Potter play with the three-man defence. At Napoli I was used to playing with a four-man backline. It’s another arrow that I put in my bow, you never stop learning.
‘I knew I was going to have a hard time, and it has been this way. Even Zola, Drogba had anticipated it would be and told me.’
Despite his difficulties, Koulibaly insists he harbours no regrets about leaving Napoli after eight years with the Italian club, but still holds a special affection for his old team.
He added: ‘I believe in destiny. My period was over, I had given everything. From the point of view of emotions it changes little. I feel every goal, every victory, as if I lived them first hand.
‘This Naples is my Naples. I am happy to have contributed to the growth of the team. Do you know what I’m talking about in the Chelsea locker room? Of the victories of my former teammates. And do you know why? I’m proud of it. I often hear Anguissa, Osimhen. I have also exchanged messages with Kvara, whom I don’t know yet.’
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