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Tag: Nkunku

  • Chelsea outcast hits out at Enzo Maresca after exit

    Chelsea outcast hits out at Enzo Maresca after exit

    Former Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku has seemingly taken aim at new boss Enzo Maresca, insisting he ‘did everything’ before being forced out in the summer.

    The 27-year-old was one of the most notable members of Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ throughout the summer transfer window having failed to establish himself under Maresca.

    Nkunku finally got a move away from Stamford Bridge in the final days of the window, joining Italian giants AC Milan for a reported fee of €42 million.

    “I got injured straight away and was out for five months, and upon my return I had a relapse,” Nkunku explained shortly after signing for Milan.

    “In my second year, I worked hard and did everything I could to be ready, and the coach made his choices.”

    Despite his lack of opportunity last season, the France international still managed to score 15 goals and providing five assists across all competitions.

  • Nkunku makes Chelsea exit decision

    Nkunku makes Chelsea exit decision

    Chelsea forward Christophe Nkunku has reportedly informed the club he would like to leave in the summer transfer window with Bayern Munich interested.

    The 27-year-old has struggled for consistent minutes under Enzo Maresca this season, scoring 14 goals and providing five assists in his 42 games across all competitions.

    According to German journalist Christian Falk, Bayern Munich retain an interest in Nkunku having enquired about his availability in January.

    Nkunku has now told Chelsea that he would like to leave in the summer, and it’s understood the club would be willing to let him go.

    Bayern are looking for a back-up option to first-choice striker Harry Kane with Nkunku high on their list of players.

  • We’re still worrying about Nkunku – Pochettino

    We’re still worrying about Nkunku – Pochettino

    Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted to having concerns about Christopher Nkunku.

    The French attacking midfielder is working to rebuild his fitness after many months out with injury.

    Nkunku was not able to train this week after suffering an injury in a 3-2 win against Luton Town recently.

    “We are still worrying about the situation of Nkunku,” Pochettino admitted on Friday in his latest press conference.

    “Now I think we are 10 days he cannot train. We are assessing. A little bit worried as we want him back as soon as possible.

    “I remember my first conference after he suffered a small issue. Now I think it’s nearly 10 days he has not trained – in between eight and 10. After six months, we were waiting for him.

    “He was so close to again feel(ing) comfortable. I am of course disappointed with that. We want him as soon as possible to be involved again.”

  • Where I see Nkunku playing for Chelsea – Pochettino

    Where I see Nkunku playing for Chelsea – Pochettino

    Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is pondering whether to start Christopher Nkunku today against Crystal Palace.

    Nkunku played and scored in defeat at Newcastle United on the weekend. He’s now banked an hour in two appearances.

    Pochettino said: “At the moment he is coming back from injury his best position is more like a 10 or a 9, more than the left or right side like a winger. To cope with the demands of the Premier League and what the team needs, it’s better in these positions.

    “He is now starting to understand the Premier League, that teams are very aggressive and the football is very different to other countries.

    “It’s good for him, more minutes. He will adapt little by little, but scoring will help him adapt quicker.”

  • Pochettino reveals seeking Nkunku replacement at Chelsea

    Pochettino reveals seeking Nkunku replacement at Chelsea

    Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino admits they’re seeking a replacement for Christopher Nkunku.

    The French striker has undergone knee surgery which could see him sidelined until Christmas.

    Pochettino said: “We are working on the market also. We are going to miss an offensive player.

    “The club is working on a solution short-term or long-term to add to the profile for this position.”

  • Chelsea confirm Nkunku knee surgery

    Chelsea confirm Nkunku knee surgery

    Chelsea have confirmed Christopher Nkunku has undergone knee surgery.

    The France striker suffered the injury in Chicago last Thursday during their 1-1 preseason draw with Borussia Dortmund.

    The Blues released a statement earlier today: “Nkunku has sustained a knee injury which will rule the forward out for an extended period.

    “The 25-year-old has undergone an operation and will now begin a rehabilitation programme with the club’s medical department.”

    Several media sources say Nkunku isn’t expected to be seen again until 2024.

  • I’d have joined Chelsea even if… – Nkunku

    I’d have joined Chelsea even if… – Nkunku

    Christopher Nkunku insists he didn’t hesitate joining Chelsea this summer.

    The France striker arrived from RB Leipzig, admitting the Blues struggled last season.

    Nkunku told The Times: “The season of Chelsea last year wasn’t good, everybody knows this.

    “This year is a new project, new year, new season. I am the new project and I am happy to be here.

    “Even if Chelsea was 15th or 16th place, it doesn’t matter for me because I knew that the new season would not be the same as last season.

    “The club is not in the European competition but I want to have a main role in the team. Chelsea proposed this project to me and I am happy with it.”

  • Chelsea: I don’t know London so much, says Nkunku

    Chelsea: I don’t know London so much, says Nkunku

    New Chelsea signing, Christopher Nkunku is delighted with his move to the London club.

    The French striker said he doesn’t know London so well but is familiar with some stadiums in the city, playing against Tottenham and Arsenal.

    Nkunku’s switch from RB Leipzig was confirmed this week.

    He told chelseafc.com: “We can say that I am a hard worker. I will give everything for the club, for the fans and to help the team bring some trophies. To give the best of my football. I hope I will make them as happy as I am to be here at this club.

    “On the pitch I’m a bit quiet, but I can speak, I can shout also. But I’m very focused on the football and about winning, to do everything right, so I can say I speak with my feet. But it’s important obviously to speak to the boys on the pitch.’

    “I think the project was good for me. It is a good project for me to develop myself as a player and a man also. And this is a good city, after all, and for sure I want to improve in football and I want to win trophies and improve myself also. So I think this is a good project for me at this moment. This is a good project, for sure.

    “I don’t know London so much. I only know some stadiums because I played here against Tottenham and Arsenal before. But apart from that I’ve never visited London before.

    “I know some of the players. I know Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana a little from the national team but I’m excited to meet them again, to get to know them better and to work with them here.”

  • ‘I always like playing in this role’ – Nkunku warns Chelsea coach, Potter

    ‘I always like playing in this role’ – Nkunku warns Chelsea coach, Potter

    RB Leipzig attacker Christopher Nkunku has warned Chelsea boss Graham Potter he doesn’t see himself as a striker.

    Nkunku will join Chelsea this summer.

    He has previously operated as a striker, although it appears the 25-year-old sees himself as more of an attacking midfielder.

    That, of course, could provide another headache for Potter who has already had to make big selection calls.

    Speaking to Football Manager, the RB Leipzig forward said: “I think that (attacking midfield) is a position that suits me well. Close to the goal behind a striker.

    “That describes me as a player nicely so I always like playing in this role.”

  • EPL: Chelsea FC propose Osimhen, Nkunku partnership

    EPL: Chelsea FC propose Osimhen, Nkunku partnership

    Former Chelsea  star, Craig Burley has admonished the Stamford Bridge side to consider the partnership of Nigeria’s striker Victor Osimhen and Christopher Nkunku for next season.

    According to Burley, Osimhen and RB Leipzig’s Nkunku will be a nightmare for opponent’s defense line.

    Reports say, German side Leipzig has agreed to offload Nkunku to Chelsea next year summer as both teams have agreed on the paper contracts.

    Meanwhile  another reports say that Chelsea still want to strengthen their forward line by targeting Napoli center-forward Osimhen.

    According to an online web, 90min sports,  Osimhen was top of Graham Potter’s wish list for the No.9 position.

    Burley told ESPN he loves the idea of an Osimhen-Nkunku strike partnership at Stamford Bridge next season.

    “I think him (Nkunku) and Osimhen would scare the living daylights out of people… can you imagine,” Burley said.

    “I don’t know if he would leave Napoli, but you’re not getting him until the summer at the earliest.”