17 November 2023 , 14:22
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Ian Maatsen has admitted that he will have to consider his future at Chelsea unless head coach Mauricio Pochettino gives him a more substantial role in the first-team.
The left-back, 21, was the subject of transfer interest from Burnley and other Premier League clubs in the summer after starring for the Clarets on loan in the Championship last season. Maatsen has struggled for minutes at Stamford Bridge this term, though, and has yet to start a single league match.
Maatsen has dropped from the Netherlands senior squad to the Under-21s in the wake of his restricted minutes at Chelsea - and he's made it clear he could consider moving on if things don't change.
Speaking to Algemeen Dagblad, Maatsen explained he was hopeful of forcing his way into the Netherlands' squad for Euro 2024 before indicating he still believed he could force his way into Chelsea's plans on a regular basis.
He said: "The European Championship, that’s what I’m secretly hoping for. I think I have also shown myself well to the national coach during training. I also know that I have to play more for that. I still think that is possible at Chelsea.
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"As a young player you always want more. I gain confidence from the trainer’s words and I am ready when the opportunity comes. In the meantime, I have to keep all options open. I may have to make difficult choices later, but then the club will indicate that."
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Ian Maatsen has hardly played under Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea this season (Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)Maatsen's admission that he may have to consider a move away from Chelsea comes just months after he rejected a £31.5million move to Burnley on transfer deadline day - something which was caught on camera.
In a brief video clip shared on social media, Maatsen can be seen confirming his plans. "I'm still here, up the Blues!" he says following a snapshot of footage from Sky Sports News reporting on his decision.
While it remains to be seen if Maatsen is regretting his choice, he stressed that his relationship with Pochettino remains positive during his time away on international duty. He added: "The manager told me, 'You have everything a player needs'.
"We have built up a good relationship, also because he is very open. His door is open for everyone to talk. He also wants to learn from his players."