Chelsea Summer Signing Divulges Reasons For Early Struggle

Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o has attributed the physicality of the Premier League as the reason behind his early struggles at Stamford Bridge.

The Cameroon forward has failed to score in five appearances for the Blues and was left on the bench for the win at Norwich City, playing just 18 minutes as Jose Mournho's side secured their first away league success of the season.

Eto'o, a former Real Madrid and Barcelona marksman, arrived at Chelsea with a big reputation despite spending two seasons at Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, but the 32 year old has failed to match expectations and cites his failure to adapt to the demands of English football as the reason behind his slow start.

"Already I have noticed that English football is very physical - more physical than other types of football," Eto'o told Chelsea Magazine.

"It hasn't been too much time yet, so I need to continue working to make sure I keep improving my level. Every game here is important and I realise that - I have come here to enjoy playing for Chelsea and to enjoy the football. I go into every game with the same approach.

"It doesn't matter where you put me, I will play football. My team-mates are helping me a lot and also the coaches, so I feel that I am settling into the team."

The physical nature of the Premier League is often identified by new signings as the biggest difference between English football and divisions across the continent.

Eto'o is not the only new Chelsea signing to struggle in the opening weeks on his spell in west London, with Brazilian Willian having failed to settle prior to his stunning goal against Norwich at Carrow Road.

But defender Branislav Ivanovic is tipping both players to make a sufficient impact throughout the remainder of the season.

"Both guys add fantastic quality," the Serbian centre back said. "Willian showed he can improve and he can impress all the guys more, and we expect a lot from him.

"His goal is very important for him, for confidence and for motivation.

"Eto'o is a guy who is still new in our team, in our squad, and we have tried to help him to settle as quickly as possible.

"I think we have a good enough squad; we have the quality in the side and we will try to do our best. We have a lot of games, we have a big enough squad, and of course it is very hard to stay in the top level physically and mentally all the season."