After three rounds of matches in the 2014/15 English Premier League season, 19-year-old Chelsea centre-back, Kurt Zouma does not seem to be in manager, Jose Mourinho’s immediate plans as former England captain John Terry and his country man, Gary Cahill appear to be the Portuguese’s preferred pairing in the central defence.
The former Saint-Etienne player is not bothered however as he has sworn to remain patient and wait for his time. The French U-21 international hopes to be part of his country’s senior team to the European Championship in 2016. He compared the current situation he finds himself in to that which his countryman, Raphael Varane initially faced at Real Madrid. An optimistic Zouma spoke to L’Equipe about the current situation and here’s what he said:
“When I was at Saint-Etienne and I didn’t play, I immediately got upset. But I learnt,”
“Now there are senior players, stars in my position, and they are doing a great job. I take my time. I am learning besides those defenders. I know my time will come.
“Jose Mourinho told me: ‘Raphael Varane, I made him start against Manchester City. You have to be ready to play at any moment’.
“I am using Varane and [Eliaquim] Mangala as role models. Nowadays they are in the French team and I hope to join them.
“Euro 2016 is an objective I set to myself. Even if it will be very difficult to get a position, the door is not so far away.”
Chelsea bought Zouma last January but immediately loaned him back to Saint Etienne for the remainder of the season. He only arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer and he had an impressive pre-season to show for it.
