New Chelsea fullback Malo Gusto has insisted that he has a ‘plan’ for his time in west London despite concerns that he will see little game time due to Reece James’ prominence in the Blues lineup.
The right-back was signed from Lyon in January, but loaned back to the French club until the end of the campaign.
He has since returned to Stamford Bridge, and has appeared three times this season as a result of an injury to James, who had been appointed the Chelsea captain over the summer.
And though James is regularly injured, there have been concerns that Gousto will remain firm second choice when the Englishman returns to full-fitness.
Gusto is not worried though.
“I’m not stupid or crazy”, he told L’Equipe. “I knew before coming that Reece James is one of the best players in his position. We get on very well. He talks to me a lot. We are in a big club, there must be good players in each position. The reason I chose Chelsea is because I have a plan. I know what I’m doing.”
Gusto has impressed in his outings thus far this season despite Chelsea’s struggles as a side, racking up two assists and showing plenty of promise alongside Raheem Sterling on the right flank of Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
With James still sidelined through injury, the Frenchman will have a chance to continue staking his claim to a first-team spot in the coming weeks, and will be looking to continue his strong form.