Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly is looking forward to locking horns with Olivier Giroud and AC Milan in tomorrow night’s Champions League clash.
Koulibaly began his professional club career with French side Metz in 2010 and he moved to Genk two years later, before again moving on two years after that to join Napoli in 2014, where he won a Supercoppa Italiana and the Coppa Italia in 2020.
In the summer he decided to try a new challenge by making the move from the south of Italy to west London, joining Chelsea in July on a four-year deal and announcing himself with a goal in a 2-2 home draw against Spurs at Stamford Bridge on August 14.
After Graham Potter spoke to the media at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and Koulibaly followed him to preview the game against Milan, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
On Giroud: “He is an important player and has scored many goals, he worked very well with Milan who won the Scudetto. He is a dangerous striker, we will have to be careful because he can score at any time. It will be tough for us defenders but we are ready to win this match.”
On a starting spot: “I haven’t play much under the new coach but I take things calmly, we have many games to play, I work a lot for the team and to show the coach that I can play more. The important thing is that Chelsea win tomorrow. because we didn’t start well in the Champions League.”
On the history of Milan: “They have a very good team, it’s a team that has won many Champions Leagues, they have had a fantastic season and they have good and dangerous players. We must be aware of the quality they have in attack and defence, they are good and we must be beware.”
What do you miss about Italy? “I arrived here two months ago, I miss Napoli a little but it was my choice, I wanted Chelsea. I thought it would be difficult for me, because playing in Italy and England is different, but I was ready. I’m very happy to be here. I know Milan and they are a very dangerous team that knows how to do everything. But Napoli also beat them this year, we have the keys to win this match. I hope the Neapolitan fans will be with us tomorrow.”
Do you regret your choice, with Napoli joint-top? “This Napoli makes you dream, I’m happy for them I’m a fan of theirs, but I’m happy to be here. They love me here. I hope Napoli win the Scudetto.”
