Chelsea tactics suit me: Egypt's Salah

Egyptian star Mohamed Salah says Chelsea's playing style suits him because they used the same formation at former club Basel

Mohamed Salah is well aware that playing regularly for Chelsea "will not be easy" despite being accustomed to their playing style, he told the Chelsea magazine.
Despite facing fierce competition for a starting berth, Salah is convinced he can deliver the goods in Chelsea's 4-2-3-1 formation, which was used at his former club Basel.
“I know it will not be easy to play every game for Chelsea because we have so many very good players in my position, but I hope to show how hard I work and then we will see," Salah, 21, said.
“This move is a fantastic thing for me – going to a big team like this is fantastic for anyone – and I hope I can play here for a long time and have a good career.
"I hope I can now start to score for Chelsea, not against Chelsea.
“Also, the way Chelsea play – with three creative players behind the striker – is like the tactic we played at Basel, so 4-2-3-1 is normal for me – it is the same tactic. I can play in any of the three positions but I really like playing on the right, because I can go inside onto my left foot.
“It is fantastic because you play open games a lot of the time, and you can play open football."
Step by step
Speaking of his English Premier League adventure, the Egypt ace believes it would have been impossible for him to seal such a move without first plying his trade at Switzerland's Basel.
“Football in Switzerland and England is a little bit different," he added.
"But if you were to go straight from Egypt to the Premier League, it would be too difficult – it's not possible!
“You have to take it step by step. At Basel, I played Europa League and Champions League football so I have experience of playing at this level."
Chelsea dream
Salah also revealed that he loves life in London, indicating that his Chelsea move has been a dream come true after years of watching them in the Champions League on TV.
"London is a very nice city. Everyone told me it is fantastic and that I will love it here, and I have been learning more English as well."
“Egyptian people love football so much. As a boy, I watched every Champions League game on the TV and saw many, many good players”
“I remember watching Chelsea play against Liverpool in the Champions League – a 4-4 draw but Chelsea went through.
“It was a really great game and it has been my dream to play in England – the Egyptian people want to see players in the Premier League and now they will see me playing at Chelsea, so there is more pressure on me!”
Salah, who was snapped up by Chelsea from under the noses of Liverpool in January, has yet to start a game for Jose Mourinho's men and his longest playing spell was the second half against Manchester City in the FA Cup.
The latest edition of Chelsea magazine is available to download on your tablet now from www.chelseafc.com/mobile'
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