NEWS. . . BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Chelsea star Ian Maatsen has revealed he needs to leave in the January transfer window after being sent to Borussia Dortmund.
Maatsen is hoping to be part of Chelsea’s first team this season under Mauricio Pochettino after an impressive loan spell at Burnley in 2022-23.
The 22-year-old Dutchman helped Vincent Kompany’s team win the league title and was named in the second departmental team of the season.
But Chelsea tried to sell Maatsen and even accepted a £31. 5m offer from Burnley before turning down a permanent move to Turf Moor.
His lack of playing time at Stamford Bridge led to La Liga giants Barcelona and Chelsea toying with the idea of being open to a sale in January.
He eventually signed for German side Dortmund on a six-month loan and was named the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month in January.
Maatsen, who came through Chelsea’s youth academy, has now spoken about the club’s decision to loan him out again.
“I had confidence in Chelsea, but with the pressure they are under, it’s difficult for a manager to let everyone play,” Maatsen told The Guardian.
“He has to make decisions for the team. You have to deal with that as a young player. Sometimes it’s not fair, but it could be the most productive resolution for the club and the other teammates. I appreciate it. But I need to play soccer.
“I thought I was fit to compete for the big clubs. But that’s rarely how football works. I didn’t have many chances. It’s not the end of the world, but you have to be in shape. You have to believe in it because football can happen fast.
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