Chelsea forward Armando Broja has revealed that he would have liked to have receive more public support from Mauricio Pochettino this season.
Between December and September, Broja spent his time attempting to recover from a serious knee injury sustained during the winter break for the 2022 World Cup.
However, faith was kept in the Albania international who remained as part of Pochettino's squad for the 2023-24 campaign, the Argentine's first season in charge.
While the 22-year-old was provided with eight starts and 11 substitute outings in all competitions, he managed to contribute just the two goals.
As a result, Broja was allowed to make the loan switch to Fulham in January, a temporary switch that failed to pay off with just 83 minutes coming across eight substitute outings.
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Broja 'surprised' by Pochettino comments
The highlight of Broja's season was a powerful header during the FA Cup third round fixture with Preston North End, a goal which had the potential to improve his fortunes.
Instead, Broja's "body language" was criticised by Pochettino. Speaking in an in-depth interview with The Athletic, the academy graduate feels Pochettino could have treated him with more compassion given his long road back to full fitness.
He said: "A little bit (surprised), because I have been through so much with the injury and he was saying something about me needing to be more happy. I did feel like I could have had more trust and belief.
"I basically just got thrown into the Premier League straight away — which is tough to deal with anyway, but I had no build-up. I have always been quite hard on myself because I expect a lot, but I have always had a really good attitude when it comes to training and games. I always try to do my best for the team; try to win. I am not a player who sulks or whinges.
"I did think when Nicolas Jackson went away with Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations that I would be given an opportunity to play a load of games. I started three times in January, but I thought there were times I could have been utilised more.
"I got the feeling people expected me to just run past three, four players and put it in the bottom corner. But I was fighting to get my fitness and things were going through my head like, 'What will happen to me in January?'.
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What now for Broja?
Widespread reports have indicated Chelsea will now look to cash in on Broja as soon as possible, preferably before the end of June when the next accounts need to be filed.
Whether that is realistic remains to be seen with Broja having been selected in the Albania squad for Euro 2024, and with a number of admirers to consider.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, Monaco and Bologna have all been credited with an interest in the frontman, who is eager to kick-start his career.
Broja admitted later in the interview that he needs to be playing regularly somewhere to 'get back in his groove', something which is unlikely to happen at Chelsea.
Darren Plant
