Alfie Gilchrist pleased by Chelsea fans on debut day

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Chelsea player Alfie Gilchrist played against Preston North End on Saturday. It was his first time competing beside the Blues’ first team. The young player commented later that the fans pleased him by something they did during the game.

What did the fans do? They were chanting Gilchrist’s name and he enjoyed it.

‘It means so much and just hearing them – wow,’ he told Chelsea’s press.

‘It’s crazy just being out there. Last season I would’ve been up there in the West Stand watching it, wanting to get on the pitch.

‘Now it’s the first game of the year and the [fans] are singing my name.

‘It’s crazy being out there as a Chelsea fan. Obviously, I’ve been here so long so it means so much to have my friends and family in the crowd as well.

‘It’s a big moment and I want to keep going. Days like this are great for the academy because it shows how much work we put in every day over there, and it’s working.

‘Players are coming through and as soon as I got in the changing room, I had like 20 texts from people at Cobham. It’s really good.

‘I’ve really enjoyed that challenge. When I was playing with the Under-21s we had the EFL Trophy where we would play against the men’s teams, and they’re always my favourite games because they are a challenge – that has helped me.

‘I’m a bit tired because I haven’t played too much recently as I have been training with the first team. It’s about keeping as fit as possible because you can’t get your match fitness, but you can try your best. When you get that opportunity you need to be ready.’

Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino will determine whether or not the player appears again on the pitch for the London club, and Gilchrist is willing to play any role the tactician would like to assign to him in future contests.

‘I’m always ready and available for wherever the manager wants me to play, whether that’s centre-back or right-back,’ Gilchrist said.

‘I’m covering that position in training every day and I try to learn everyone’s roles so I can help them on the pitch. I think that has really helped me.

‘When I talk to the right-back, I know what he should be doing, so I think if I was the centre-back, what would I be saying to me.

‘It’s a big part of my game because it makes your game easier if you’re talking, communicating and helping your teammates out. It can save you running half the time as well, so it’s good.’