Juan Cuadrado had been speaking ahead of Wednesday night's friendly against Liverpool, in which he made a second-half substitute appearance, about his determination to fight for his place at Chelsea. It's the least that should be expected of him, of course, but it's still nice to hear it straight from the source.
"We all work on that purpose [to be a part of the first XI]. I have to train well and strong and let's see what God wants."
"I am glad of being here (for the ICC tournament). It's important for us to do well and make a good pre-season. We have been working well and looking for what the coach wants. This is a good opportunity to show what we have already worked on in previous training sessions and games."
-Juan Cuadrado; source: Evening Standard
Cuadrado's cameo on Wednesday wasn't all that impressive, but Conte seems to like him, so he's certainly got a chance of making the team. After the match, the boss commented briefly on the winger.
"With Juan Cuadrado, in my idea of football I love the role of the winger when doing a one-v-one. Cuadrado is one of these. I am pleased to train him and when today you can have a substitution of Cuadrado and Pedro to replace Willian and Moses, it is good for Chelsea. Cuadrado is a Chelsea player and I hope he remains one."
-Antonio Conte; source: Chelsea FC
With potential suitors in Italy waiting in the wings (Juventus and AC Milan supposedly both interested), Cuadrado may have several outs. But for now, he seems determined to make it at Chelsea, first and foremost, and we seem determined to put him to work.