Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is not convinced by Kurt Zouma’s tactical knowledge and has admitted signing the defender for his physical qualities.
The 20-year-old signed on at Stamford Bridge in January last year for £12 million from Saint-Etienne, remaining with the French side on loan for the remainder of the season.
Zouma has made 17 appearances in all competitions for the Blues this term, but while Mourinho is pleased with what he has seen, he believes the France Under-21 still has some way to go.
“We bought him because of his physical profile,” Mourinho admitted.
“We were not happy with his tactical knowledge but we trusted we could give him that.
“When in pre-season we saw mistakes from him I thought okay, no problem, but it will take time.”
Zouma started Chelsea’s cup-winning fixture at Wembley on Sunday and the Chelsea boss is happy with the Frenchman’s enthusiasm.
“But he is bright, he is humble and he wants to work and learn and he listens to everything, and he had an acceleration in that process to bring him to a level where he is competing with Gary Cahill to play.
“He has played in some big matches and it looks like he can cope with it.”
Zouma tasted cup glory in the Capital One Cup on Sunday afternoon, lifting his first piece of silverware as a Chelsea player, with the Premier League now also in reach.
Liam Chambers: @_liamchambers_
