Levi Colwill opens up on Brighton u-turn and ‘respectful’ Pochettino gesture that led to new Chelsea contract

Chelsea and England defender Levi Colwill says ‘respect’ from manager Mauricio Pochettino made it easy for him to turn down the chance to play for Roberto De Zerbi and stay at Stamford Bridge.

The young Chelsea defender who has been tipped to go all the way in his career and follow in the footsteps of players like John Terry was heavily linked with a return to Brighton where he spent last season out on loan.

In the end, he opted to sign a new six-year deal at Chelsea with a further option for another, that ensures he stays at Stamford Bridge until at least 2029.

He told reporters ahead of England’s game against Ukraine: “He is a great manager, really makes me feel comfortable and allows me to play my best game. I think with him at the club, it has changed so much and now we want to kick on.

“I think the big thing for me is, on the first day I came in, putting an arm around me and showing me that he respects me as a person and also as a player. That allows me to work my hardest and makes me want to play my best for him.

“That’s a big difference, him showing that there are two sides whereas the majority of managers may just look at you like a footballer, which he doesn’t.

“That helps me play my best football. I know I’m going to improve. I can guarantee that. He’s such a good manager and he will push me, he won’t let me have any off days, that’s what I need.

“Someone like me, if someone lets me go to sleep, I might just have a good day or a bad day. I need someone there to give me that kick-up bum and say ‘keep going’. That’s what he does.”

Colwill has since played in all the games so far this season in a show of growing trust between a player who is highly regarded by many in the game and a manager who is credited with being able to work with the youngster.