Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta issues warning to rival Ashley Cole
Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta warns Ashley Cole that he is aiming to become Chelsea's first-choice left-back
Cesar Azpilicueta has warned Chelsea veteran Ashley Cole that he is aiming to become Jose Mourinho’s first-choice left-back.
The Spain international has started Chelsea’s last two games against Schalke and West Bromwich Albion after Cole was dropped following a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United.
Azpilicueta, who was a first-team regular under Mourinho’s predecessor Rafael Benitez, has found his first-team opportunities limited this season.
But the former Marseille defender is determined to seize his chance to impress the Portuguese coach and secure a regular starting berth at the Blues.
“Every game that I have more minutes I feel better,” Azpilicueta said in the Mirror.
“Provided I can play and be useful to the team, I’d be delighted to stay on the left the whole season.”
Earlier this week, Chelsea boss Mourinho warned Cole that he must fight to win his first-team place back.
“I decided for Azpilicueta to play against Schalke and he was fantastic,” Mourinho said. “On Saturday, he was very good again.
“Ashley is a top professional, he is a fighter. He has to work hard, to fight hard because the place [in the side] is his place.
“Of course, it is not Azpilicueta’s best position and it is not a position where Ashley can think that he is in trouble now. No, he has to just work, fight and the position is there waiting for him, no problem.”
