Jadon Sancho has hit form at Chelsea, scoring in consecutive Premier League games as Enzo Maresca’s side continue their excellent start to the season.
The England winger is on loan from Manchester United but is finally starting to show the quality which made him a star at Borussia Dortmund earlier in his career.
Here, the 24-year-old sits down with Sky Sports News’ Paul Gilmour to discuss life at Chelsea, his aims and ambitions for the season and whether he could really help the team he supported as a boy to a surprise Premier League title push this season…
Back-to-back Premier League goals…
“I’ve been practising my shooting. I like to give my friends the glory in front of the camera, so I try to assist them as much as I can, but in training they’ve seen that I’ve got a nice shot, and I know I can shoot. I’ve just been practising that and I’m happy that I’ve got the goal against Tottenham.
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Jadon Sancho pulled a goal back for Chelsea against Tottenham with a stunning strike from outside the box.
“I’m just focused game by game and hopefully I can keep this moment up. I’m very happy, working hard for the team, and the main aim is getting the three points every week.”
Chelsea’s squad depth…
“The players that we have in the squad are top quality so every day in training we’re pushing each other. Every time we get an opportunity we want to show what we can do and I feel like the team has created a nice bond within the dressing room. I think having all of those combined shows in the performances on the pitch.”
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Highlights of the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
Chelsea’s team bond…
“Everyone is similar in age and most of the boys have been playing for quite a while and have a lot of experience. It’s nice to be in and around the group and the training is fun. Everyone’s got a smile on their face and everyone’s pushing each other to do extras and that’s what we need.
“We can rotate at any moment, we’ve got two or three players in every position. There’s the Conference League and Premier League – playing both back-to-back can be tough sometimes so to have that right balance of playing time is crucial.”
Enzo Maresca…
“He’s a very good coach and he understands players but he’s very hard on you if you don’t do the right stuff. I feel like every player is buying into how he works and is eager to learn.
“My first talk with him I got a good feeling, a good impression so I wanted to play under him. It was just like when I entered the room I felt his aura, his presence, especially when he’s talking to you because he’s played the game so he has a lot of experience. He can teach all the guys something, so I feel like it was good.”
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Following their chaotic comeback against Spurs, Jamie Carragher analyses how Enzo Maresca changed the game for Chelsea, after initially going 2-0 down at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Maresca’s demands…
“He tells everyone to work hard every day and I think if you don’t work hard you don’t play. I feel like every player understands how he wants us to work and again personally he’s told me to just do what I usually do, go 1v1, create space for others and just try to get into the right positions to create scoring opportunities. He likes each player to play at least one or two positions just in case you’re needed in those areas or if players are not available. He’s big on that.”
Chelsea’s objectives and title-race talk…
“We are taking it game by game and every game is going to be tough. We’ve got a long season ahead so none of the boys are overthinking anything right now. That’s what all the guys are saying to each other. We haven’t done anything yet but we’re grateful to be in this position. We’re training hard and putting in the shift on game days.”
Sancho’s personal aims…
“Hopefully I can carry on creating opportunities to score and assist for my teammates and just get a good rhythm throughout the season. Yeah [in response to a question about how demanding it is in a long season] it’s difficult playing in the Premier League and having other competitions. It can become overwhelming sometimes because there’s a lot of games back-to-back. I feel like the coach gets the instructions across and he makes sure we know what we’re doing on the pitch and how we help each other so I think it’s good.”
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We take a look at some of the worst Premier League kit malfunctions, following Marc Cucurella’s slippery first-half against Tottenham. Including Arsene Wenger’s classic run-ins with his coats and a cheeky display from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Marc Cucurella’s slip-ups at Spurs…
“Well I’m sure you’ve seen his Instagram story about the boots. Those boots are no longer with us, unfortunately! It happens to all of us and mistakes happen in the game. How he bounced back from the mistakes was crazy and even got an assist for my goal. We won and he had a great game. Cucurella is a great player so there are no worries there.”
Playing for the club he supported as a boy…
“I grew up as a Chelsea fan. Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard were the players I looked up to when I was growing up so it’s a nice feeling. I feel like me making it professional alone is the best feeling. Any young kid can dream of just being out there and playing football so I’m truly blessed in that aspect.”
