Moises Caicedo has spoken candidly about the difficulties he faced during his first season at Chelsea, admitting that the record-breaking transfer fee added significant pressure.
The Ecuador international joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion for an initial £100 million ($127.6m) last August, with the fee potentially rising to £115 million ($146.7m) including add-ons.
However, he struggled to find his best form, scoring just one goal and providing four assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.
"The beginning was tough for me, because you are at a big club, the price, you always have to win every game," Caicedo said in a recent press conference. "It was tough for me because when I was in Brighton, the pressure is less. At Chelsea, it is different. I felt a lot of pressure because you know the club, the history, the players who were there."
Despite his rocky start, Caicedo expressed confidence in turning things around. "But after the last four or five months, I felt more comfortable at the club," he noted. He also credited former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino for helping him regain his confidence. "I have the quality and I know the player I am. But sometimes if you are not strong in your mind, it is difficult," he said.
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Moises Caicedo reveals why he rejected Liverpool
Caicedo revealed that Pochettino and his staff, along with a personal advisor outside the club, played crucial roles in helping him cope with the pressure.
"A lot of people around me helped me - Mauricio and his staff. They were with me when I felt like I was not the same Moises. A guy I speak to regularly told me, 'Moises, you are a good player, you can do whatever you want on the pitch with responsibility. Just trust in yourself. If Chelsea paid that [much money] for you, it’s because you are a very good player.'"
Caicedo also addressed last summer’s transfer saga, where he almost moved to Liverpool after Brighton accepted an offer from The Reds.
🔵 Moises Caicedo: “I still remember one year ago… difficult decision, Liverpool is a big team but Chelsea were with me for a couple months and I felt like I couldn’t miss this move”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 5, 2024
“They were with me in tough times, it was a difficult decision… but 100% the right one”. pic.twitter.com/mQLiz2RDgg
However, he ultimately chose Chelsea, citing the club's long-held interest and support during difficult times. "It was a difficult decision because you know Liverpool is a big team," he admitted. "But Chelsea were with me for a couple months and I felt like I couldn’t miss this move. They were with me in tough times, it was a difficult decision, but 100% the right one."
As Caicedo looks forward to the upcoming season, he hopes to fully justify his hefty price tag and become an integral part of Chelsea's squad. "He wants me to show my quality, to have good personality, to show to my teammates that I am the boss on the pitch," Caicedo concluded, referring to the belief that Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has placed in him.
