Zenden's Plea To Claudio

Last updated : 24 February 2003 By -

It has been a season of mixed fortunes for the skilful and tricky Dutch international who, despite an electric start to the season -most notably the "cracker" against United in the opening home game of the season - has suffered the misfortunes of injury and squad rotation.

Two seasons into his £7.5 million move from Barcelona, the Dutchman is feeling the frustrations of failing to hold down a regular first team place.

He told the News of the World: "As a player you always get your form and your rhythm if you play five or six games in a row. At the beginning of the season I got a run of games and that is when you get the best out of a player.

"If you just play once or just come on for 20 minutes it's difficult to show what's in your body. It's the hardest thing to just come on as a substitute.

"The best thing is to play from the start and keep it up. But the manager wants to play everyone and for me and the rest of the players, we just have to adapt to the situation."

Despite Zenden's "brave face" to the current situation his frustration and discontent is pretty apparent to all.

Such feelings of restlessness must be accentuated as players such as Stanic are currently being considered in front of the Dutchman. Mario has had a number of fine, battling performances this season but surely Chelsea should be looking to develop players that are considered important to Chelsea's development and future. Let's face it, players that have been heavily invested in.

So…with regards to Mr Zenden….COME ON CLAUDIO - GIVE THE BOY A GO!

stevefurlong@chelsea-mad.co.uk