"I told myself going into this season" - Jadon Sancho makes bold claims after making impressive start to Chelsea career
Chelsea forward Jadon Sancho has shared his thoughts after his impressive debut for the Blues in their narrow 1-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday (September 14). The English forward was a deadline day addition for the side, joining on an initial loan from Manchester United.
Chelsea reached an agreement with the Red Devils to sign Sancho on a season-long loan with an option to buy for a reported £25 million. The forward was presented to the Stamford Bridge crowd at the side's last game, a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
Blues boss Enzo Maresca waxed lyrical about the quality of the 24-year-old, and he handed him his debut against Bournemouth. A boyhood Chelsea fan, Sancho recorded an assist, setting up Christopher Nkunku to score a late winner at the Vitality Stadium. After the game, the forward spoke to the club's in-house media about how it felt to debut, and expressed his happiness with the win. He said (via Chelseafc.com)
“It is amazing to make my debut for Chelsea and just be back playing. I am very grateful. I thought the team played very well, we dug in until the end and we are happy with the three points. I have been working hard for this moment and I am happy that I got my chance.
“I had a great end to last season, being in the Champions League final, and I told myself going into this season that I wanted to have a great start to the season, and this is my first game so to get a win for Chelsea and obviously to make my debut too.”
Sancho had a very public falling out with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag last August, leading him to be frozen out from the team. He eventually moved to Borussia Dortmund on loan in January, helping the side reach the UEFA Champions League final.
The former Borussia Dortmund man featured in pre-season for the Red Devils, missing a penalty in the shootout defeat to Manchester City in the Community Shield. He was close to moving to Juventus before eventually choosing to join the Blues on loan.
Chelsea boss expresses satisfaction at Jadon Sancho debut display
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has expressed his satisfaction at the performance of new signing Jadon Sancho on his debut for the club. The England international came off the bench to record an assist in the Blues' 1-0 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Speaking to the media after the game, Maresca detailed that he understands what Sancho needs to thrive and enjoy his game. He revealed that he learned about the player from speaking with him before signing, and expressed his belief in his side's ability to perform well. He said (via Football London):
“I have a feeling that Jadon is a guy that needs love. This is what I think when I spoke with him before he join us. Also I know he has the desire to show the player he is, but for me, it is just to enjoy football. This is the reason why they play. They are happy and want to play football, they want to enjoy football and then because they are good, they are going to do good things.”
Sancho was named the Man of the Match on his debut, and his name was sung from the stands by the Blues faithful. The 24-year-old put on a clinic after being introduced at half-time for Pedro Neto, giving the fans a glimpse of just what he is capable of.