Levi Colwill has revealed the influence former Brighton teammate Adam Lallana had on his decision to sign a new contract at Chelsea.
Colwill’s future appeared uncertain after returning to Chelsea this summer from a loan spell at Brighton, with the defender keen to receive assurances over his role in the squad before committing to a new deal.
The 20-year-old later signed a six-year deal despite interest from Premier League rivals and has started each of the Blues first four games under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
His form has seen the centre-back included in the England squad for the first time, for this month’s fixtures with Ukraine and Scotland.
Colwill has revealed how conversations with Lallana, who worked under Pochettino at Southampton, persuaded him to sign a long-term deal at Stamford Bridge.
“I have had conversations with Adam,” Colwill said at an England press conference.
“He told me about how much of a good guy he (Pochettino) was and he thinks he is a really good manager and I took that on board when I was making my decision.
“When I finally met him (Pochettino), I realised everything Adam said was true.
“That’s a big difference, him showing that there are two sides whereas the majority of managers may just look at you like a footballer, which he doesn’t. That helps me play my best football. I know I’m going to improve. I can guarantee that. He’s such a good manager and he will push me, he won’t let me have any off-days, that’s what I need.
“Someone like me, if someone lets me go to sleep, I might just have a good day or a bad day. I need someone there to give me that kick up bum and say ‘keep going’. That’s what he does.”
