Ian Maatsen says he wants to stay at next season but admits he is in a ‘difficult’ position with his immediate future uncertain.
The 21-year-old shone in , scoring twice as ’s side got their preseason campaign off to a winning start.
While part of the squad that travelled to the for their warm-up tour, Maatsen remains the subject of interest from Burnley who are eager to sign the left-back on a permanent basis following his superb loan spell last season.
with United also keen to sign the Dutch starlet.
Speaking after the victory on Florida, Maatsen admitted his preference is to remain at Stamford Bridge.
‘I hope to come back here and show the fans and the manager what I am capable of,’ he said.
‘Of course, sometimes it is difficult [not knowing your future] but you try to do your best all the time, stay calm and not stress.
‘Just think about football, ask a lot of questions about how to get better, how to improve yourself, ask your teammates and help them as well.’
Maatsen was deployed in a winger role as he scored twice in the first-half against the League Two side but starred at left-back for Vincent Kompany’s side last season.
‘It is a position I can play. I can adapt really quick,’ he said. ‘I also come in those positions when I play at left-back so for me it isn’t so difficult.’
Should he remain at Chelsea this season, Maatsen will face competition from Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella for the starting left-back role.
Pochettino meanwhile has suggested players in Maatsen’s position will keep getting chances to force their way into his plans during their tour of the US.
‘There are too many players,’ he said. ‘We need to assess and analyse and see what happens with them in the season. Many decisions that we need to take. But it is good to have the opportunity to see all these young guys who can show their quality.
‘It is important for them and for us to have a real assessment. For sure all have quality, they need time and space to show they can compete for a place in the squad.’
, . , and .
