Chelsea FC defender Kurt Zouma has said that Sundaya s trip to Manchester City is an ideal opportunity for the Blues to send a message to their title rivals as they seek to defend their Premier league crown
Chelsea FC comfortably won the league last season with an eight point advantage over Manchester City. However, an opening-day draw against Swansea at home coupled with City’s comfortable away win over West Brom means there is already a two point gap between the champions and runners up from last season.
Should Chelsea FC lose against City on Sunday, it will open up a five points gap between the two sides just two weeks into the new season.
Zouma confident of strong performance against City
Kurt Zouma made only his second Premier League start against Manchester City when the two sides faced each other at Stamford Bridge last January – a game that ended in a 1-1 draw.
The France international has happy memories from the fixture and was confident of a similar strong showing against City at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.
a We know we are playing against a good team on Sunday and it will be difficult, but we have a chance to win. I think it will be a very interesting game,a Zouma told the Chelsea FC official website. a Ita s a chance early in the season to show why we are champions. We want to defend our title.
a The season after a very good season is always hard but we have to show we are ready to try and do it.a
Zouma ready to fill in at leftback
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The left-back position seems to have become somewhat troublesome for Chelsea FC; with the departure of Filipe Luis, there is no recognized left-back at the club, with first choice Cesar Azpilicueta a natural right-back deployed on the opposite flank – a role he has occupied for a the past couple of seasons.
Chelsea FC are heavily linked with a move for Augsburg left-back Baba Rahman, but that move is unlikely to be completed before the clash against Manchester City.
Zouma has stepped up and said that he is prepared to play at left-back should he be asked to do so.
a Because Ia m right-footed I have never played at left-back. It was different for me positionally so I had to learn quickly and adapt to it,a Zouma added.
a Ita s really not a problem because the boss needed me in that position and I have to give everything for the team.
a They were good experiences for me because I played the games and I always want to be on the pitch enjoying myself. Ia m feeling very well.a
Zouma will be hoping to play some sort of a role as the Stamford Bridge outfit travel to the Etihad to face Manchester City.
Knowing Jose Mourinho’s inclination to deploy a defensively solid side against top sides away from home, Zouma’s involvement in the game cannot be ruled out.