5 things you should know about Chelsea target Tiemoue Bakayoko

#3 Life under Leonardo Jardim did not get off to a good start

Things weren’t always so rosy for Bakayoko under Jardim

Bakayoko’s debut for Monaco was also Leonardo Jardim’s first match in charge back in August 2014 – and it did not get off to a perfect start for either of them. Indeed, so displeased was the Portuguese coach with his midfielder’s performance that he was replaced after only 30 minutes in a 2-1 home defeat.

It set the tone for a couple of difficult seasons at Stade Louis II for the central midfielder, who had moved to the club from Rennes for €8 million.

Last summer, however, he started to work with a physical coach and a sports psychologist. Problems in the player’s preparation have been ironed out, both in terms of his gameplay and personal life, and alongside Fabinho, with whom he has struck up an impressive bond, he has thrived.