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'IT BUGS ME'

Chelsea keeper Asmir Begovic frustrated with backup role to Thibaut Courtois but remains committed until the summer

Bosnian star also reveals how Antonio Conte is more 'in your face' than Jose Mourinho

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GOALKEEPER Asmir Begovic admits playing understudy to Thibaut Courtois “bugs” him, but insists he remains “fully committed” to the Blues until at least the summer.

The Bosnian reportedly wanted to leave Stamford Bridge last month having grown frustrated with his lack of game time.

 Asmir Begovic has admitted it bugs him playing second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois
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Asmir Begovic has admitted it bugs him playing second fiddle to Thibaut CourtoisCredit: Reuters

Amid interest from Watford, Bournemouth and West Ham, Antonio Conte was willing to allow the shotstopper to exit Chelsea, but he was unable to find a replacement No2 having had a bid rejected for Celtic’s Craig Gordon.


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Begovic has yet to play a minute in the Premier League for the table toppers this campaign, but as the club’s FA Cup keeper, he is desperate to get his hands on some silverware before a potential departure at the end of the season.

Speaking to , the 29-year-old said: "I think it (not playing) bugs every professional.

"The thing that keeps me going is lifting silverware and being in a successful side.

"It bugs me but in terms of moving clubs it's not an option at the moment.

"I know my role in the team and the leadership I can bring.

 Begovic has yet to make a Premier League appearance this season for Chelsea and has been restricted to cup ties
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Begovic has yet to make a Premier League appearance this season for Chelsea and has been restricted to cup tiesCredit: Getty Images
 The Bosnian international looked set to leave Chelsea last month but the Blues were unable to find a replacement for him
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The Bosnian international looked set to leave Chelsea last month but the Blues were unable to find a replacement for himCredit: Getty Images
 Celtic keeper Craig Gordon had been targeted so that Chelsea could offload Asmir Begovic
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Celtic keeper Craig Gordon had been targeted so that Chelsea could offload Asmir BegovicCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

"I am fully committed to the team until the end of the season."

After five impressive years at Stoke City, Begovic was signed by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho in 2015.

And having experienced both the Special One and the intense Conte, the ex-Portsmouth man revealed his current boss is a lot more in your face than his old gaffer.

He continued: "Absolutely. He's in your face a little different.

"I don't think there's any chance of us letting up (in the title race).

"He won't let it happen. We will continue to the end."

 Chelsea boss has stuck with Courtois in favour of Begovic between the sticks this season
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Chelsea boss has stuck with Courtois in favour of Begovic between the sticks this seasonCredit: Getty Images
 Begovic was signed by Jose Mourinho for Chelsea in 2015 from Stoke City
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Begovic was signed by Jose Mourinho for Chelsea in 2015 from Stoke CityCredit: Getty Images
 Begovic insists that Conte is more 'in your face' than previous Blues manager Mourinho
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Begovic insists that Conte is more 'in your face' than previous Blues manager MourinhoCredit: Getty Images

He added: "That's the way he is, that's his DNA. He's emotional, he takes things to heart.

"For us it's something we are used to now."

Chelsea are currently nine points ahead of second-placed Tottenham in the Premier League and are preparing to face Wolves next week in the FA Cup Fifth Round.

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