Chelsea loanee Jeremie Boga: I came to Rennes to progress

Chelsea youngster Jeremie Boga wasn't making much of an impact during his loan move to Rennes until recently, when he started his first Ligue 1 match against Stade de Reims.  He was deployed as a striker and even scored a goal!  His appearance was followed by reports from L'Equipe claiming Chelsea were demanding more playing time for him, but the 19-year-old says he's just patiently waiting for his chance to impress, which might continue today as Rennes face Olympique de Marseille in the French league.  (UPDATE: Boga starts!)

"[The chance to play] came on instinct and it was time that I was expecting that. I came [to Rennes] to get playing time, to progress. I am patient. I work a lot in training. I think I understood my chance."

"I do not have a favourite position, as long as I get to play; even if it's as a #9."

-Jeremie Boga; Source: L'Equipe

Boga left ASPTT Marseille, a French youth club from his home-town, as a 11-year-old to join Chelsea in 2008, moving to London along with his parents. For him, it was the best step to take to grow as a footballer.

"At the time, it was the best decision to leave and I really grew at Chelsea."

-Jeremie Boga; Source: L'Equipe

In the summer, a plethora of French clubs were reportedly interested in signing Boga, on loan or permanently, including his childhood club Olympique Marseille, against whom he'll be playing today.

"There was nothing really tangible [from Olympique]. For sure it makes me a 'little something', but I will not put myself under pressure."

-Jeremie Boga; Source: L'Equipe

Even though Boga had to wait for 2 months to earn his first league start at Rennes, he's already drawing praise from his current manager Philippe Montanier - although he still has to improve in some aspects of his game to be fully ready to become a starter.

"He is an interesting [player] for his versatility. He is a 9 and a half-10. But he can also play on the flank. He is powerful, fast and explosive. He has this ability to break into space, because he has qualities to support to go through several players and not lose the ball because he doesn't waste his technique. But he doesn't use enough of his skills in depth and in collective play yet."

-Philippe Montanier; Source: L'Equipe

Go on, Jeremie!