Baba black sheep of the Blues
Leftback Rahman reveals why he’s unfit for Conte’s Italian job
LONDON: Baba Rahman has revealed that Antonio Conte wants his Chelsea team to be “very defensive” next season after leaving Stamford Bridge for Schalke.
The leftback was allowed to return to Germany just one year after joining the Blues from Augsburg, with Conte evidently looking for new faces in the transfer market. Rahman made just 15 English Premier League appearances last season as Chelsea’s title defence crumbled under Jose Mourinho, and he will now be looking to rebuild his reputation in more familiar surroundings.
Youngster Ola Aina was preferred to the Ghana international during Chelsea’s recent pre-season matches, while PSV Eindhoven ace Santiago Arias has been mentioned as a viable alternative.
But Conte continues to play his cards close to his chest after favouring a 3-5-2 formation during his days as Juventus and Italy boss.
However, Rahman has given one of the closest insights yet into Conte’s plans for the new campaign after explaining why he left London so quickly.
The 22-year-old said: “Chelsea manager Antonio Conte told me that he wants his team to be very defensive, but I am a rather offensive fullback.
“So I would have had very little playing time. Conte advised me to leave on loan. We will see what happens after this season.
“I already know Markus Weinzierl from my time at Augsburg and we worked together very well there. He always gave me a lot of confidence. That is one of the reasons why I think Schalke were the best option for me.”
Rahman joined Bundesliga side Schalke on a season-long loan on Thursday.
Rahman will team up with his former Augsburg manager Markus Weinzierl, who was appointed as Schalke’s manager this summer.
“He will fit in well here because of his excellent attitude,” Weinzierl told the German club’s website.
Conte told me that he wants his team to be very defensive, but I am a rather o ensive fullback So I would have had very little playing time Conte advised me to leave on loan Baba rahman