Chelsea defender Baba Rahman has admitted he is growing frustrated by his lack of playing time since moving to England.
The Ghana left-back, who joined in August from Augsburg for an initial £14 million, has made just four Premier League appearances so far after failing to edge ahead of first-choice full-backs César Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic.
Speaking to German magazine Sport Bild, the 21-year-old admitted he has found the transition difficult but with Chelsea having already ruled out sending him on loan for the second half of the season, Rahman is determined to prove himself at Stamford Bridge.
“Of course it’s frustrating for any footballer to sit in the stands. It’s not something I’ve experienced a lot of,” he said.
“As a young player, of course, you have to get used to such a big club and a world-class league. For me the first half of the season was pretty ok but in the second half I really want to play more. Chelsea are one of the best clubs in the world,” the Ghanian added.
Rahman, who caught Chelsea’s eye after his performances in Augsburg’s unlikely fifth place finish in the Bundesliga last season, is understood to have settled in well to life in London off the pitch despite the club’s tumultuous season so far.
He was signed by José Mourinho, only for the Portuguese to use him sparingly in the opening two months of the season as the reigning Premier League champions struggled.
But Rahman insisted he has nothing but respect for his former manager, who has been replaced by Guus Hiddink.
“He always gave me tips on how to improve both defensively and going forward,” he said.
“I liked him right from the first moment. Every player would benefit from working with him.”