Morocco star assured of game time at Chelsea

Chelsea manager Graham Potter has appealed to Morocco World Cup winger, Hakim Ziyech, to remain patient for regular game time in the Blues’ starting XI.

Potter in his statement said he was happy with Ziyech for his display during the recently concluded 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Before the world cup, Ziyech had been struggling with lack of game time at Chelsea and is yet to start a Premier League game since Potter took over from former manager Thomas Tuchel in September.

So far this season, Ziyech, who arrived at Chelsea from Ajax has made only three appearances since Potter took over and has been linked with moves to Italian club AC Milan.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League tie with Bournemouth on Tuesday, Potter said, “He’s been a little bit away from the first XI, but he has been involved in the games.

“He came on in the first game as a sub. We know his qualities, we like him as a player, he plays between the lines and has fantastic qualities, which we saw at the World Cup.

“We can speak a lot, but the chances are there are always good players who are not in the starting XI. You have to be patient.”

He added, “I am delighted for him, I kept in touch with him over the World Cup. I am delighted for him that he got the game time and helped his team. He’s a good guy, and he has got quality.”