Returning Chelsea centre-back Malang Sarr says he is ready to help the team to remain on the higher level’ after personal talks with Thomas Tuchel.
Sarr has arrived at Stamford Bridge with a promising reputation from Ligue 1 outfits; Nice back in August 2020; however, he was immediately sent on a season-long loan to Portuguese giants Porto last season and is yet to feature for the West London club.
The 22-year-old defender has played 19 first-team games for the Primeira Liga outfit in all competitions, impressing against the likes of Juventus and Man City in the Champions League.
Former Lille defender hopes to have a good impression after he has joined Chelsea teammates for a pre-season tour. However, there has been talking that he could leave the club on loan for the upcoming season.
However, it appears the 22-year-old defender is ready for battle for regular first-team football under Thomas Tuchel after talks with the manager.
‘It’s a pleasure to be here, starting to work, we are working very hard and very well, so I’m happy. I have enjoyed being here,’ he told Chelsea’s official website.
‘I have spoken a little bit with the manager, he knows I speak French, so we have been talking. I have a good feeling here; everybody is very good with me. I can feel everybody is ambitious here.
‘They want to work, and they really want us to give the best every day, and that’s a good thing because that’s how I see things. I really want to work hard every day and try to improve in every aspect.
‘I hope to join the team and help the team to the top.
‘They finished the season as Kings of Europe. I’m here to help and to let the team stay at the highest level, trying to bring all the good energy and my work to the team. I know the club is ambitious, and I am ambitious as well, so it’s a perfect match.’
Former Chelsea star Paulo Ferreira, who is now employed as a technical coach with the Blues, talked with Sarr while he was playing for Porto.
Ferreira also played at Porto during his football career and was an invaluable mentor to a young centre-back finding his feet in a foreign country.
‘He was really kind with me, he was talking to me almost every day, trying to get news, asking for feedback, checking everything was going well,’ says Sarr.
The 22-year-old Frenchman has played six times across Porto’s Champions League season, last season and the centre-back was satisfied with his form in Europe’s most elite competition, which the Blues won.
