"It is difficult" - Chelsea star admits he has lost confidence since moving to Stamford Bridge
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has said that he's lost confidence following his arrival at Stamford Bridge last summer. He added that former manager Mauricio Pochettino, his staff, and some other people have helped him relieve some pressure.
The Blues spent a British record fee of £115 million to sign Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer. They were in a bidding war with Liverpool but ended up breaking the record to sign him. The Ecuadorian midfielder had a tough start at Stamford Bridge.
However, things got better for Caicedo as the season progressed. He formed a decent partnership with Conor Gallagher in particular. He still received plenty of criticism as he was unable to justify the huge price tag.
Caicedo was recently asked if he's lost his confidence after his first season with Chelsea and he answered (via Vince on X):
"Yes, confidence. I have the quality and I know the player I am. But sometimes if you are not strong in your mind, it is difficult.
"I asked them [Pochettino and his staff], 'Please help me because I want to show my quality, my football.' They were with me. I have a person outside of the club who helped me a lot to get the pressure out of my mind.
"A guy I speak to regularly told me, 'Moises, you are a good player, you can do whatever you want on the pitch with responsibility. Just trust in yourself. If Chelsea paid that [much money] for you, it’s because you are a very good player.'"
Caicedo made 48 appearances across competitions for the west London side last season, scoring one goal and providing four assists.
Chelsea and Atletico Madrid set to complete player exchange: Reports
As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are set to complete a player exchange in two separate deals. The Blues are interested in signing striker Samu Omorodion while the Rojiblancos are interested in midfielder Conor Gallagher.
As per The Athletic, Atletico Madrid are set to sign Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez for a reported fee of €95 million. They would then allow Samu Omorodion to join Chelsea for around €40 million. The Spanish striker scored eight goals in 35 games across competitions while on loan at Alaves last season.
Atletico, meanwhile, are also set to sign Conor Gallagher from the west London side. The midfielder came through the Blues' academy and made 95 senior appearances for them. However, with his contract set to expire next year, he will move to Atletico this summer.