Denis Zakaria bossed Chelsea’s midfield in their 2-0 Premier League win over Bournemouth - only to reveal he was disappointed with his performance.
The Switzerland star offered tactical shape, driving runs and smart interventions in a rounded and majorly encouraging showing in Chelsea’s morale-boosting win on Tuesday.
But Zakaria, on loan from Juventus, has placed even higher expectations on himself and his words will prove music to the ears of Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
“I think I’m really happy for the team for the big win, but I think my performance should be better,” said Zakaria.
“I wasn’t happy with my performance actually, but we won, that’s the most important thing. And let’s work for the next game now.
“I’m really happy (to play), it’s great to get some minutes in the legs, it’s important for me. I have to work, and it’s going to be better with time.”
Raheem Sterling set up Kai Havertz’s opener with a curved low ball across the area, before Zakaria played a key role in Chelsea’s second goal.
He powered through midfield into the Bournemouth box, before having the presence of mind to lay off to the lurking Havertz.
The Germany forward in turn teed up Mason Mount, who whipped home from the edge of the area to leave Chelsea in control well before half-time.
“That win was really important for us,” said Zakaria. “We saw that we have to do some things better, we didn’t play our best match but what was important today was the win and we have to work now for the next game.
“I was running towards goal but then I saw that it was closed in front of me, so I cut back, Kai was there and he gave the ball to Mason, and he scored a beautiful goal. I’m so happy for him and happy for the team.
“It’s really important for us to start building momentum now. We know we have a lot of games coming now.
“We want to win every game coming, so we know we have to work hard.
“I think this year is difficult for all players, there’s a lot of games, but we are professionals, we love to play football so at the end we play football and we’re very happy to do it. So it’s not too difficult in the end.”
Reece James trudged off little more than 50 minutes into his return from knee trouble, with what appeared a recurrence of the same problem.
The luckless England defender had battled back to fitness after the disappointment of missing the World Cup, only to suffer a new setback.
Zakaria hailed James as an outstanding talent, admitting everyone at Chelsea hopes he will be fit again with little delay.
“Reece is such an important player for us, we all know Reece’s quality. And for me, he’s the best right-back in the world,” said Zakaria.
“So it’s really important for us that he can be back soon, and I hope it’s not such a big injury.”
