Remy remaining at Chelsea could force further Falcao flop in blue

Radamel Falcao’s loan switch to Stamford Bridge, following a torrid season at Old Trafford, has raised plenty of eyebrows but, despite the Colombian’s arrival, Chelsea forward Loic Remy has outlined his desire to remain with the Blues.

Jose Mourinho has confidently claimed that he will bring the best out of his new acquisition in next season’s Premier League, even though Falcao endured a stuttering campaign with Manchester United (6/1 with Coral to win title).

Colombia’s all-time goalscorer managed to net just four times in his season-long loan spell with Louis van Gaal’s Red Devils, but Mourinho decided to risk his signature, with a joint-sharing of agent Jorge Mendes likely to have played a part in such a deal.

Despite his arrival, France international forward Remy insists he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge and fight for his place in Mourinho’s starting line-up.

“I am flattered by other teams wanting me, but I have never wanted to leave this club because I feel really good here,” he stated.

“Of course I want to play more but I am sure I can do that here. That’s my target. I will just try to make it happen, by working hard and showing the manager he can count on me. My mind is here and I don’t want to leave.

“I know there are a lot of games and I will have my chance. I have to be ready at a good time and not be injured. I was happy with what I did last season, but I want to do more. I want to play and score more. My focus is the same.”

Mourinho will undoubtedly utilise star man Diego Costa as his main attacking threat, as he hopes to revive Falcao as a deadly back-up or partner to the Spaniard, meaning Remy may fall well behind in the pecking order, if he fails to make an early impact this term (8/5 to retain title).

The determined Blues boss seems fixated on rejuvenating his new South American frontman, possibly in a bid to prove his superior man-management skills or to deliver a bitter blow to potential Premier League rivals United.

Mourinho’s men came up against Falcao when Chelsea toppled the Red devils 1-0 on home soil in April and, although the former Atletico Madrid marksman didn’t score, defensive pair John Terry and Gary Cahill revealed their admiration.

“I watched our game against Manchester United a few times. I spoke with John and Cahill a lot about him and we think the bright movement is there, the movement to get freedom in the box to score goals is there,” declared Mourinho.

“Our players had difficulty to control him and we feel the potential is there. Let’s see if he can improve his confidence, his happiness.”

Such remarks will come as a genuine shock to the Old Trafford faithful, with Van Gaal having dropped Falcao to the club’s reserves after failing to impress on his loan stint from Monaco.

Remy will hope to make an early impact during next season and force his way into Mourinho’s thinking for the Chelsea set-up, with his Portuguese mentor having already given hope of his regular inclusion.

“He [Falcao] can be second, first or third [choice],” claimed Mourinho. “He knows, Diego knows and Remy knows that. It is open competition between the three of them. That’s our objective, that’s why we want three strikers ready and important.”

Former QPR hitman Remy can take comfort from his coach’s past exploits when deploying strikers, with the demanding manager never afraid to drop his forwards. When former frontman Andriy Shevchenko was enduring a poor spell after arriving in 2006, Mourinho didn’t hesitate to leave the £30m-man on the bench and keep faith in Didier Drogba.

The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ reportedly refused to play the AC Milan legend and close friend of Roman Abramovich during his first reign at Stamford Bridge on several occasions, a direct challenge to the club owner’s demands, which reportedly led to his eventual departure.

Hopeful frontman Remy netted nine times during 30 appearances in all competitions last season, albeit not a superb return, but still more than double what his new teammate Falcao managed at Old Trafford (7/1 to win FA Cup).

Chelsea will kick-off the defence of their domestic crown with a home clash against Swansea City, the team which Remy struck his first goal of last term against on home turf.

The Frenchman will hope to replicate those Stamford Bridge heroics, but discover a contrast of steady form throughout the campaign in order to genuinely rival Falcao for a starting position.