Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen reveals Blues legend John Terry helped him over struggles after dip in form
The Danish rookie, 21, suffered a crisis of confidence after dropping a clanger against Barcelona
ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN picked John Terry’s brains to get him through his first mental wobble at Chelsea.
Blues legend and former skipper JT is still regarded as an inspirational leader to Stamford Bridge’s younger players, despite leaving for Aston Villa last summer.
Danish rookie Christensen, 21, has suffered a crisis of confidence after dropping a clanger against Barcelona.
He has been described as “the surprise of the season” by boss Antonio Conte for his mature performances.
But being thrust into the limelight in his first full season as a starter has taken its toll.
Christensen said: “I’ve been annoyed at myself and that is difficult to get rid of when there is a week between matches to think about it.
“You just want to move on to the next match so that you can play without mistakes.
“I can’t avoid making mistakes but in some games the mistakes have been decisive, so now I am just waiting for the next games to come so I can prove mistakes aren’t typical for me.
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“I have had a talk with John. He experienced setbacks and said it is natural to make mistakes.
“He put it in perspective by saying if a forward misses a chance he can make it good by scoring with his next opportunity — but we can’t change a goal scored against us, so it is easy to point fingers. I have realised it and moved on.”
Christensen feared his dip in form would cost him his place under hardliner Conte.
He added: “I thought after making mistakes I might be out but I try to tell myself I have played all the other matches almost with no mistakes.
“I hope the reason I get to start is because the manager knows he can trust me.”
Christensen was subbed after pulling up during Sunday’s extra-time FA Cup win over Leicester.
But after being spotted limping at a charity do in Copenhagen that evening, it appears he merely suffered a dead leg.
The Denmark international now hopes he will be OK for the friendly against England’s World Cup opponents Panama on Thursday.