LESLEY Ugochukwu claims Mauriccio Pochettino has already boosted his confidence levels after signing for Chelsea in the summer from Rennes.
The 19-year-old midfielder has made two Premier League substitute appearances for the Blues since completing a £23million switch from the French side, as well as starting in the 2-1 Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon.
Ugochukwu feels he is benefiting from working under Poch, a manager he came across before back in his native land while the two of them were in Ligue One.
The youngster explained to chelseafc.com: “You should know that my first start for Rennes was against him. He was at PSG. He talked to me about it again as soon as I arrived with the group in the United States.
“He looks at his assistant and says to him, ‘Do you know that because of him we didn’t win the championship?’
“It’s huge that he remembers that. I was 17 and I didn’t expect him to remember at all.
“We drew 1-1 and Paris finished one point behind Lille that season.”
Ugochukwu added: “Things are going very well with the coach. He has really given me a lot of confidence since my arrival.
“He tells me to go full throttle and to not hold back, to have confidence in myself and that I am here because I have the qualities to be here.”
There was speculation upon joining the Blues Ugochukwu would find himself instantly loaned out abroad to gain more experience.
However, he has already managed to impress Pochettino enough to be involved with the matchday squad at his new club and the midfielder is up for the challenge of battling it with some big names for game time.
Ugochukwu said: “In any team, you are not sure you will play.
“When I arrived at Chelsea, I knew where I was going. It’s up to you to prove yourself, to show that you deserve your place.
“Personally, I have never been afraid of competition.
“I have been learning with very good players like Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, who is the same age as me.
“It’s up to me to go and get the most minutes.”
He added: “What I am learning at Chelsea on a daily basis and during games will allow me to strengthen myself and mature in my game.
“When you are young, you have to play, of course, but I feel ready to fight for earn my place.
“I have great confidence in myself, in my qualities, in what I can do. I know that if I do things correctly, everything will go as planned.
“I have the trust of the club, of the staff, that’s what pushed me to say to myself:
“Go for it! If they came for you, it’s because you have the qualities.”
