“I came here to prove myself” - Chelsea loanee unsure what his future holds
Ian Maatsen has admitted he's unsure whether he's returning to Chelsea once his loan with Borussia Dortmund expires. The Dutch left-back has majorly impressed at Signal Iduna Park.
The 22-year-old spoke ahead of Dortmund's UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid on Saturday (June 1). He said when asked if he'd received contact from his parent club (via ESPN):
"In recent weeks? No. No, not yet. I think I still have a contract and after the summer we are going to decide where my future is going to be."
Maatsen has been vital for BvB since joining on loan in January, managing three goals and two assists in 22 games across competitions. He's likely to start the Champions League final and is concentrating on that game:
"For now, I am just focusing on this game [the Champions League final] and obviously what's coming next."
The 17-cap Netherlands U21 struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge before heading to Dortmund. He touched on wanting to prove himself with the Bundesliga giants:
"No [I have nothing to prove to Chelsea], I just have to do something to prove to myself. I came here to prove myself that I can play on the highest level and that's what I'm doing now."
Maatsen would be playing under a new manager at Chelsea if he were to return to the Premier League heavyweights. Enzo Maresca is on the brink of succeeding Mauricio Pochettino after the Argentine coach's exit last week.
Ian Maatsen's father hit out at Chelsea's owners amid his son's loan at Borussia Dortmund
Maatsen's father Edward lambasted the Blues' owners for prioritizing money over the club's best interests. He insisted that his son was looking to secure a permanent move to Signal Iduna Park:
"Things are not going well at Chelsea since they changed ownership. A lot at that club also revolves around money, which sometimes seems more important than the club’s interests...We are working on staying at the club [Dortmund]."
Dortmund want to keep Maatsen beyond his loan spell but are unlikely to match the Blues' £35 million valuation, per the aforementioned source. He has two years left on his contract with the west Londoners.
Maatsen has made 16 senior appearances for Chelsea since joining from PSV Eindhoven's youth system in July 2018. He's had spells on loan at Coventry City, Charlton Athletic and Burnley.