Ben Chilwell reveals what he told Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner before making switch from Chelsea

Share this article

BEN Chilwell revealed he told Oliver Glasner he wanted to be an influence off the pitch as well as on it as he was in talks about a deadline-day loan switch from Chelsea to Crystal Palace. 

England international Chilwell, 28, has joined the Eagles until the end of the season and he is also excited by the attacking outlook of Glasner’s side. 

Palace have won their last three away games 2-0, including against Manchester United last weekend, and have lost only tow of their last thirteen Premier League games after being winless in their first eight this season. 

Chilwell, who has won the Champions League and Super Cup with the Blues, could make his debut at Doncaster Rovers in the fourth round of the FA Cup this weekend. 

“I’m very excited. I spoke to the manager and it’s a club that are going in a great direction,” Chilwell said on Palace’s website. 

“You look at the last few months, with the results and how the team’s playing, and the players they’ve got, and it was a no-brainer to make the decision to come here. I’m just really excited to get going.

“When it comes to the style of football that [Glasner] wants to play – and obviously playing in a back five with wing-backs is something that I’m familiar with, I did it the season at Chelsea we won the Champions League – it’s something that I enjoy. 

“The attacking side of things suits me as a player, and he emphasised that it was something that he really wants from his wing-backs, which obviously excited me.

“As a team, I think his ambition, where he sees the club going, the players that he’s got, and the direction that everyone’s working towards, it really excited me hearing that from him.”

Chilwell has worn the captain’s armband at Chelsea. 

“It was something I mentioned to the manager,” Chilwell said. “I didn’t want to come in and help just on the pitch, I also wanted to help off the pitch. I look at my last few years at Chelsea, where I’ve become one of the more experienced players, and it’s something that I’ve taken on and enjoyed.

“I think coming into the squad, especially playing a system which I’ve been successful playing in before, it’s a good opportunity for me to not just help on the pitch, but off the pitch as well, and help the younger boys and everyone generally with the experiences that I’ve had.

“I’ve played with probably four or five of the boys before in England youth age groups, so it’s hopefully going to be a pretty seamless transition into the squad.

“I was at the training ground [on Monday] and met a lot of the staff, who were all great and very welcoming, so hopefully it should be quite quick to settle in and I can get going straight away.”

Chilwell added: “I’ve played at Selhurst Park a number of times over the years, and it’s always been a great stadium. It’s difficult to go there, which obviously is a positive. It’s something that you enjoy, going to stadiums where the fans are so passionate.

“That was something, again, that excited me, how passionate the fans are, how tight the stadium is. It’s always a great atmosphere when you go there, and I’m just very excited to get started and hopefully meet all the fans soon.”

DON’T MISS A THING

Get the latest news for South London direct to your inbox once a week.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Share this article