Kurt Zouma has confirmed that he will not be fit for the start of Chelsea’s season as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury, but says he is relishing the prospect of learning from new boss Antonio Conte.
The 21-year-old has not featured for Chelsea since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a Premier League clash with Manchester United in February, ruling him out of the rest of the season and France’s Euro 2016 campaign.
Prior to the injury, Zouma had become a regular starter in the heart of Chelsea’s defence under Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink, and the Frenchman insists he has no fear of falling down the pecking order under Conte despite the fact that he will miss pre-season.
“I am working hard every day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., I am working on the knee and on some cardio [at Cobham],” Zouma said. “I won’t be ready for the start of the season, but the doctor is happy with my knee and I’m feeling good. I have to take care and not rush, so I will take my time.
“I am not worried about the new manager coming in. I did well before I was injured. I will speak with Conte and see what he wants from me.
“The new manager wants to do much better than last season and he will bring in new players. That is not a problem. When you are at a big club like Chelsea there is always big competition for places.
“I was happy with myself and I did well when I was playing. Now I have to be ready for next year. I am very happy at Chelsea and I want to show everyone that I will be back even stronger after my injury.
“The new manager will be good for me and for everyone. I am a defender. Tactically I want to learn more. I want to work on that side more. I will be ready tactically.”
Zouma established himself in the Chelsea first team under Mourinho but could do nothing to prevent the Portuguese coach leaving Stamford Bridge for the second time in December, having presided over a disastrous Premier League title defence and what technical director Michael Emenalo described as “palpable discord” between the players and management.
Mourinho was confirmed as Manchester United’s new manager on a three-year contract last month, and Zouma admits the sight of his former boss in the Old Trafford dugout next season will take some getting used to.
“It will be strange to play against Manchester United with Jose as their manager,” he added. “That’s the life of football. I hope he does well there. But I also hope he loses against Chelsea. Jose sent me a text to say good luck when I was having my operation. Everyone has been very supportive of me.”
One key figure who remains at Stamford Bridge is John Terry. The 35-year-old ended months of speculation over his future by signing a one-year contract extension in May, and Zouma believes the Chelsea captain still has a big role to play under Conte next season.
“John Terry has been very good for me,” the Frenchman said. “I am really happy that he is staying for another year. He is our captain. When we start together in the team he is talking to me all the time.
“He’s always saying to me ‘be careful, watch this man’. So I am happy and proud to be with him. He’s the leader. We need him in the team.”
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