Christensen still believes Chelsea ‘exactly the right place’ for him

Andreas Christensen finished his season last weekend with a pair of international appearances for Denmark, starting both the 1-1 draw against Republic of Ireland (wherein Christensen was beaten by tower of power Shane Duffy for the goal) then the 5-1 hammering of Georgia as the Danes finally got a victory in Euro 2020 qualifying.

In between those two games he also talked to some journalists, as one always does on international duty, and some those quotes are just now making their way to light.

Fortunately, they’re simply more of the same positive intention that he was setting after the club season — “I’m not wondering about my future now, and I haven’t done that for some time” — which saw him finish on a very strong and important note, that has given him confidence for next season despite a severe drop in playing time from Conte to Sarri.

The interview was with German media, so of course they led with the Gladbach angle.

“I watch every Borussia match as a record and often call Max Eberl, but it’s not about football, Max is just a fantastic person.

“I‘m in exactly the right place at Chelsea today, putting my focus on the Premier League. [I played] an acceptable number of games. Of course I would have liked to do more [but] I am very happy to be holding [the Europa League] trophy, and having had a role in that success.”

-Andreas Christensen; source: WZ via Google Translate

After 27 Premier League appearances in 2017-18, Christensen surely won’t be satisfied if he once again has to settle for just 8 league games next season, regardless of how many times he may play in Europe.

A lot will depend on whom the new head coach will prefer of course. Sarri made David Luiz relevant and important again — so much so that he got a two-year contract extension — but the only assured starter at this point should be Antonio Rüdiger, and he himself will be coming off of meniscus surgery. Christensen should have a great opportunity to convince early and lock down his place. (With or without another defender getting added to the squad, like Kurt Zouma or Fikayo Tomori or whoever else from the Loan Army.)