Hakim Ziyech has opened up on his adaptation at Chelsea and believes he ‘had more problems than most’ adapting to Thomas Tuchel’s methods.
Ziyech signed for Chelsea from Ajax in 2020 but endured an underwhelming debut season in the Premier League, though the winger has shown signs of improvement to emerge as central figure for the west Londoners this season.
The 29-year-old has scored eight goals and provided five assists in all competitions this season and has netted some vital goals for Chelsea, including a stunning effort against Tottenham and a late winner at Crystal Palace.
The Moroccan has now opened up on his adjustment at Chelsea and admits he had some problems adapting to a new role at Stamford Bridge.
“I think I had more problems than most adapting to the formation, because I’ve never played in a back five,” he told Chelsea TV.
“I needed some time. I’ve took that time to adapt and learn from it and improve, and you can see at this point it’s much better than in the beginning.”
Ziyech discussed the methods of Tuchel and says the German has a clear idea of how he wants the side to perform.
“Of course he has a clear idea of what he wants and how we want to play. He’s bringing that over to the group in a really good way. When defending we all have our responsibilities and attacking we have our freedom to find and create chances.”
The winger also opened up on Chelsea’s ambitions over the remainder of the season and says he Nlues are targeting success in both the FA Cup and Champions League.
Chelsea face Crystal Palace in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on April 17 and will meet Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
“We want to win the two cups we’re still in,” Ziyech added.
“The league is not really realistic, so what we’re really playing for is the FA Cup and Champions League.”
