Baba Rahman: I was surprised Chelsea wanted me – but Michael Essien is helping me settle in

Published on: 20 November 2015
Baba Rahman: I was surprised Chelsea wanted me – but Michael Essien is helping me settle in
Ghana defender Baba Rahman has struggled at Chelsea

Abdul Baba Rahman admits he has struggled to cope with the pressure of playing for Chelsea and has turned to his Ghana compatriot and former Blues midfielder Michael Essien for help.

Baba Rahman was Chelsea’s second biggest signing of the summer having joined from Augsburg for an initial £17.7million.

But the left-back has found it difficult to make an impact at Stamford Bridge and has started just two games in the League so far.

Essien, who played for Chelsea between 2005-13 and is a fellow Ghana international, has been trying to assist him through the tough times.

Baba Rahman told Standard Sport: “I feel a lot more pressure here than at Augsburg and Michael has helped me with that.

“Chelsea’s season has not been going well, but Michael told me to just keep playing my game and to try to improve each match.

“Michael knew I was coming to Chelsea in the summer. He has helped me a lot. He has been giving me advice since I joined, telling me to keep fighting and that I will be a success here.

“I have been in contact with him since the start of the season. It’s great to have someone like Michael taking an interest in me and I get a lot of tips from him.

“He is a big hero in Ghana. I like him a lot personally. He is one of the greatest players Ghana has ever produced.

“It was difficult when I came here. But I am trying to incorporate myself into the team.

“It’s difficult to get in the side, but when you have the chance you just have to perform.”

The 21-year-old was rated one of the best left-backs in the Bundesliga last term but has yet to reproduce that form here.

Cesar Azpilicueta is first choice in the position and Baba Rahman’s hopes of getting a regular run in the side will not be helped now that right-back Branislav Ivanovic is fit again after a hamstring problem.

But Baba Rahman insists he has no regrets over moving to west London and is confident he will prove his worth.

He added: “It was a surprise when Chelsea came in for me, but when the chance came I had to take it.

“I couldn’t say no because I was getting a chance to play under one of the best managers in the world in Jose Mourinho.

“For me, it was amazing and I was happy to work for a team like Chelsea. That’s why I accepted.

“Another reason is I know I can challenge for trophies here — which is a dream of every player.

“I am going to improve game after game. I think I can be a better player. I have learned a lot regarding the football. I have learned the style of football played here and how much my team-mates work a lot. I think I can do better with my tackling and my passing.

“I am the kind of left-back who is fast on the break but my defending needs to improve. I just want to tell the fans that I want to do better and they’re going to see much more from me.”

Chelsea take on Norwich at home tomorrow without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (knee) and striker Radamel Falcao (leg).

Winger Eden Hazard has been struggling with an illness, while defender Kurt Zouma  is also a doubt after pulling out of international duty with France Under-21s due to a strain picked up against Stoke a fortnight ago.

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