The full transcript from Jacob Maddox's exclusive interview with the Chelsea Echo
On his loan spell at Cheltenham:
“I think it has been really good for me.
“We have had ups and downs. We started the season a bit slow. It was tough.
“It was something that I have never experienced at Chelsea in the youth set up.
“But like I said- It has been great for me.
“Playing Men’s football means a lot more in my opinion. Obviously, you are playing for three points and the games are a lot more intense- So I think it has been good for me.”
His view on Chelsea’s season so far:
“Chelsea are always up there. Obviously, they are fighting for the Europa League, and trying to get top four to get into the Champions League next season.
“They are in a good position, and their destiny is still in their hands.
“Looking at the quality of the squad- It’s top quality!
“As shown in previous years- they will get the job done.”
Being part of the loan army:
“I mean you are at one of the biggest clubs in the world, and ultimately there is a lot of good players, so the standards are really high.
“So being part of the loan set up with loads of great talent. For us it’s about improving ourselves and getting that extra experiences that are needed to push for places in the team.
“As shown this season, a few players have broken through more than previous seasons.
“For me and for the other lads- it’s a positive.”
Maddox on Hudson-Odoi’s season:
“I’ve played with Callum a lot last year and all through the youth set up.
“We all know what a talent he is. It’s good to see him having a chance. And to be fair to him- he’s took it.
“Obviously he’s gone with England which is a massive boost for him.
“For us looking in on Callum, he’s a perfect example of if you work hard in training every day and if take your chances, then anything is possible.”
Maddox on Loftus-Cheek’s season:
“We all knew what Ruben can do.
“The things he brings, like his physical aspects aswell, but not only that- his skills on the ball.
“We all know what Ruben can do, but it was only a matter of time for him to be in around the team, because he has so much quality.
“So I’m buzzing for Ruben. He’s obviously a bit different to Callum, because he has been around that kind of set up before. But fair play to Ruben.”
Maddox on transfer ban and his future at the club:
“I think if you look at the players on loan- then there is no reason why more youth players can push for a place in the first team squad.
“Look at players like Reece James and Mason Mount- they are doing so well out on loan, alongside many other loan players.
“It’s good for the club that so many of these players out on loan are doing so well.
“It’s another option for the people in charge of Chelsea. All we can do is be the best we can be, and try to improve.”
On Michael Duff’s impact on CTFC:
“Obviously it was tough before. But he has come in and done really well.
“He’s changed the structure of the club and has put players on the same page.
On his predictions for next season for Cheltenham:
“I am very optimistic for this team next season.
“For them, it’s just about having a good preseason, and getting a few players in. And if they do that then they will go very far in League Two.”
On his gratefulness to Michael Duff:
“He has done really well for my development.
“Obviously first loan, you can come across some difficult situations.
“And when that’s happened, he’s guided me through some difficult situations- constantly talking to me and giving me feedback, and most importantly just letting me play.
“He’s been really good to me. It’s been a two way thing. I’ve helped the team, and he’s helped me.”
On what he can improve on in his game:
“For me, if you look at my stats- I need to get more assists and more goals for my teams. If I do that, then I can go higher.”
“For me, I would always look at the top teams like Chelsea and Arsenal.
“For me I’m an optimistic guy. So I would like to play for a League one club or Championship club next season if possible- that’s my next step.”
Head over to the Chelsea Echo on Twitter to view my interview based article with Jacob Maddox!
