“We want to win everything,” said Malo Gusto.
Malo Gusto has emphasized that Chelsea’s challenges this season do not stem from their youthful squad, asserting that triumphing over Liverpool in the upcoming Carabao Cup final on Sunday will invigorate the team and propel them beyond their midtable struggles in the Premier League.
Amidst periods of inconsistent performance that have often shifted the spotlight onto manager Mauricio Pochettino this season, Chelsea’s youthful squad recognizes the significance of securing silverware at Wembley Stadium as a potential catalyst for their journey ahead.
At 20 years old, Gusto stands as one of several pivotal players in the squad aged under 25, alongside Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, Moisés Caicedo, Nicolas Jackson, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Conor Gallagher.
Nevertheless, Gusto, operating as a right-back, stresses that age cannot serve as an excuse for underperformance. “Yes, we must seize the opportunity,” Gusto asserts. “We have no alternative. Every game is a must-win for us. Despite our youth, we refuse to lean on it as an excuse. We possess abundant quality and harbor aspirations of conquering all. We are Chelsea. This presents a prime opportunity for us to elevate our standards and push relentlessly forward.”
With Chelsea currently occupying the eighth spot in the Premier League standings, securing a domestic cup victory could be pivotal in ensuring European football for the club in the following season.
“Yeah, it’s a fresh project. Perhaps, we might require more time compared to other teams,” Gusto acknowledges. “This trophy could serve as a significant boost for our youthful squad. Age notwithstanding, on the pitch, it’s all about determination and perseverance, game after game.”
Gusto acknowledges the absence of Reece James due to injury, a player he has long admired, which has opened up a starting position at right-back for him this season. “Reece is a formidable player, one of the finest in his position,” Gusto acknowledges. “I’ve been a Chelsea fan for a long time, so I’ve been familiar with Reece for quite some time.”
Reflecting on the camaraderie among himself and his fellow young recruits, Gusto highlights the importance of unity in navigating the challenges both on and off the pitch. “Unity is paramount. We’re young, and we understand that challenges will arise. However, it’s crucial to maintain a resilient mindset,” he asserts. “Fortunately, we have a strong contingent of French players here, which facilitates our adaptation to the new environment. We share similar experiences and support one another through thick and thin.”
Having joined Chelsea from Lyon in January 2023 after a season in Ligue 1, Gusto exudes confidence ahead of facing formidable opponents like Luis Díaz or Darwin Núñez in the upcoming final, showcasing maturity beyond his years. His performances against top sides like Paris Saint-Germain, featuring Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé, as well as against Manchester City, where he faced the threat of Jérémy Doku, have earned him praise.
“I came to Chelsea with the aspiration of challenging myself against the best,” Gusto explains. “While the last game against City presented its challenges, it was a valuable learning experience that bolstered my confidence for the upcoming final. My goal is simple—to evolve as both a person and a player. While people may highlight specific games, like the one against Doku, it’s important to remember that football is a continuous journey. Perhaps, I might falter this weekend, but the following game presents an opportunity for redemption and improvement.”
