Transfer Centre

Ian Maatsen: 'I understood reasons for lack of game time at Chelsea'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 13 March 2024

Ian Maatsen - currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund - admits that he understood why he was not presented with many opportunities at Chelsea earlier this season.

Ian Maatsen has acknowledged that he understood the reasons for his minimal game time at Chelsea during the first half of the season.

Having starred during Burnley's Championship-title-winning campaign during 2022-23, Maatsen was provided with the chance to impress at Stamford Bridge by new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Maatsen did just that during pre-season, but opportunities dried up once the campaign started as the Netherlands Under-21 international was given just three starts and 12 substitute outings in all competitions.

Although a new contract was penned to protect Chelsea's position in the transfer market, Maatsen was allowed to sign for Borussia Dortmund on loan in January.

Since then, the 22-year-old has make a positive impact at Westfalenstadion, featuring on 10 occasions in the starting lineup and in his preferred role of left-back.

Ian Maatsen sign on loan for Borussia Dortmund on January 12, 2024 © Borussia Dortmund

As it stands, it is unclear whether Dortmund will look to negotiate a permanent deal with Chelsea, with Maatsen allegedly having a release clause in the region of £35m.

With the Premier League outfit required to raise funds after the end of the season, it is plausible that the Dutchman has played his last competitive game for Chelsea.

In an interview with The Guardian, Maatsen says that he accepted the reasons behind his omissions from the team, barely no ill-will towards Pochettino who was under pressure to make his mark at Stamford Bridge.

Maatsen said: "I had trust at Chelsea but with the pressure they are under it is sometimes difficult for a manager to let everyone play – especially young talents with potential.

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino during EFL Cup final on February 25, 2024. © Reuters

"He has to make decisions for the team. You have to deal with it as a young player. Sometimes it's not fair but maybe it's the best decision for the club and other teammates. I appreciate that. But I want to play football."

Maatsen added: "I'd done my loan spells. I thought I was ready to compete for the big clubs. But sometimes football works like this. I didn't get a lot of opportunities. It's not the end of the world but you have to be ready."

Pochettino currently has Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella as his primary three option at left-back, as well as Malo Gusto who can deputise when required.

Chelsea posted financial losses of in excess of £90m for the 2022-23 campaign last week, the likelihood being that sales will need to be facilitated from June onwards in order to comply with the Premier League's current Profit and Sustainability Rules.