• Premier League

Bertrand will fight for Chelsea place

ESPN staff
July 21, 2013
Ryan Bertrand faces a tough fight for first-team football at Chelsea © PA Photos
Enlarge

Ryan Bertrand has shrugged off rumours linking him to Liverpool and said his long-term future is at Chelsea.

Bertrand, 23, faces a tough fight for first-team football at Stamford Bridge with fellow England international Ashley Cole well established in the role, but he feels he can make the position his own.

He told Press Association Sport: "I see my future being Chelsea's number one [left back]. I don't concentrate on trying to dislodge Cole. I just focus on myself and my game and I'm sure that time will come."

The Observer and Sunday Telegraph were among the newspapers to report on Sunday that Liverpool have seen an enquiry for Bertrand rejected, with Jose Mourinho requiring back-up for Cole, 32, for the coming campaign.

Bertrand said his talks with Mourinho have been "very positive" and understands he may not play every game next season.

"Being at a club like Chelsea, at the top level, that's just a way of life," he said. "Everyone is used to it by now."

With the World Cup looming next summer, Bertrand - who has two senior England caps - could have been forgiven for seeking more regular first-team football but he is hopeful he can still work his way into Roy Hodgson's plans.

"I've just got to concentrate on my club team and get my games in there," he said. "In the back of my mind I'm aware of it [the World Cup]. Hopefully I can get enough games this year and you never know."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices