Moises Caicedo reveals price tag pressure after Chelsea move, reveals why he rejected Liverpool - ‘It was tough for me’
By James Hilsum
Published 06/08/2024 at 11:35 GMT+1
Moises Caicedo spoke openly and honestly about a largely forgettable first season at Chelsea, where he struggled to discover his best form. The Ecuador international managed just one goal and four assists in 48 games across all competitions, and fell well short of justifying the huge transfer fee paid to Brighton & Hove Albion last summer. The 22-year-old now appears confident of turning a corner.
'I'm not the same Moises, please help me' - Caicedo reveals help from Pochettino
Video credit: SNTV
Moises Caicedo reflected on a challenging first season at Chelsea and admits that the record-breaking price tag weighed heavily upon him.
Caicedo arrived at Stamford Bridge for an initial £100 million fee last August, which could rise to £115 million with add-ons.
However, the Ecuadorian was often a shadow of the player he was at Brighton & Hove Albion after a series of underwhelming performances in his debut season.
"The beginning was tough for me, because you are at a big club, the price, you always have to win every game," Caicedo said in a press conference.
"It was tough for me because when I was in Brighton, the pressure is less. At Chelsea, it is different. I felt a lot of pressure because you know the club, the history, the players who were there.
"But after the last four or five months, I felt more comfortable at the club."
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He also paid tribute to previous boss Mauricio Pochettino for enabling him to improve his performances.
When asked if he had lost his confidence, Caicedo replied: "Yes, confidence. I have the quality and I know the player I am. But sometimes if you are not strong in your mind, it is difficult."
A lot of people around me helped me - Mauricio and his staff. They were with me when I felt like I was not the same Moises.
"[I asked them] 'Please help me because I want to show my quality, my football.' They were with me. I have a person outside of the club who helped me a lot to get the pressure out of my mind.
"A guy I speak to regularly told me, 'Moises, you are a good player, you can do whatever you want on the pitch with responsibility. Just trust in yourself. If Chelsea paid that [much money] for you, it’s because you are a very good player.'"
The midfielder also recounted last summer’s transfer saga which almost resulted in a move to Liverpool, after Brighton accepted an offer from The Reds in the region of £100 million.
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Caicedo admits he felt a sense of responsibility to choose Chelsea instead after their long-held interest.
"It was a difficult decision because you know Liverpool is a big team," he admitted.
"But Chelsea were with me for a couple months and I felt like I couldn’t miss this move. They were with me in tough times, it was a difficult decision, but 100% the right one."
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Caicedo appears ready to stamp his authority on the pitch in the new campaign, and explained the belief which Enzo Maresca has placed in him.
The 22-year-old concluded: "He wants me to show my quality, to have good personality, to show to my teammates that I am the boss on the pitch."
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