Christopher Nkunku opens up about the challenges he endured during his debut season at Chelsea and shares what he believes is crucial to unlocking his full potential in the 2024/25 campaign.
“This is my first season at Chelsea FC, without a doubt,” Nkunku begins, his tone tinged with disappointment.
His time in London didn’t start as planned. After joining from RB Leipzig last summer with great expectations, he dazzled in pre-season, quickly becoming one of Chelsea’s standout players. But a serious knee injury on a difficult pitch in Chicago during their final friendly halted his progress abruptly.
Though he made a brief return before Christmas, a recurring hip issue and later a hamstring injury sidelined him again, leaving him with minimal involvement in March and April. By the season’s end, Nkunku had barely clocked 500 minutes in a Chelsea shirt.
“To be honest, it doesn’t even feel like I had a first season here,” Nkunku confesses. “It was really tough. I only played a few scattered minutes here and there. I was frustrated the entire season.
“I didn’t have a single moment where I truly felt good. After my knee injury, I never felt fully right. Then came my hip, followed by a muscle injury—it just didn’t stop. That’s why it was such a frustrating year for me.
“The most important thing now is to be happy and ready to work,” he emphasizes. “I wasn’t happy at all last year, and you can’t share those moments with the fans if you’re not happy.”
Nkunku’s first two goals for Chelsea, against Wolves and Liverpool, were little more than consolation strikes, and they were celebrated as such. However, his third goal, scored against Brighton in the penultimate game of the season, allowed Chelsea fans to witness his signature balloon celebration.
“It was more symbolic than joyful,” Nkunku admits. “I saw the fans wanted me to do it, but honestly, I wasn’t happy because of how bad my season had been.”
His lengthy spells on the sidelines also made integrating into the squad more challenging. “It’s easier to bond when you’re playing and training regularly with the team,” he explains. Now, however, he’s had the chance to fully engage with his teammates after a much-needed summer break with family.
In pre-season, the 26-year-old has shown his resilience, playing more minutes than any other Chelsea player, completing over 80 minutes in four of six friendlies. This highlights not only his improving fitness but also his significance to new head coach Enzo Maresca.
Maresca has praised Nkunku’s versatility, noting his ability to excel on either wing, as a central striker, or in the “pocket” between midfield and attack.
“In my role, timing is everything,” Nkunku explains. “I enjoy being involved in the build-up and participating with the team. That’s what the coach wants, and it’s also where I thrive.
“I had lost that feeling last year, and it affected my happiness. Now, I’m feeling better. I need to stay happy, trust my body, and get consistent game time.
“After missing nearly an entire season, you become very hungry. I’m hungry, but I’m also focused on taking things step by step without losing control.”
He concludes with determination: “My goal this season is to play regularly and regain my confidence. When I’m happy and confident in my body, I know I can deliver. I have no doubts about my abilities.”
Christopher Nkunku is ready for a fresh start. The Premier League should take note.
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