Chelsea winger Willian has confirmed he wanted to take the crucial penalty which Ross Barkley failed to convert in Chelsea’s opening day Champions League 1-0 loss to Valencia on Tuesday.
English midfielder Barkley skimmed his attempt off the top of the crossbar in the 87th minute of the Premier League side’s 1-0 home loss. The 25-year-old had been introduced from the bench only seven minutes earlier and only settled to take the spot-kick following a debate with teammates Willian and Jorginho.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard later revealed that Barkley is the designated penalty taker but experienced winger Willian had hoped to be entrusted with the chance to convert from the spot-kick.
The Brazilian said that Barkley was confident to take it but the 30-year-old was keen on showcasing his ability as well, “He was confident about taking it and I asked to take it too, But he was confident. He ended up missing it. That could happen to me or any other player, like Jorginho who also takes the penalties. It is important he keeps his head up. When you win, you win together and when you lose, you lose together too.”
The 30-year-old Willian then added that Chelsea was hoping for a positive result but the club will keep their heads up and look to work towards a better result in the future, “We expected a positive result, We expected to start at home with a victory, but unfortunately we lost it. We have five games left to qualify. I think we have a chance, of course. We have to improve and we have to keep our heads up and keep working. We have everything in front of us.”
