Florent Malouda Urges Jamie Gittens to Stay Strong and Win Over Chelsea Fans

Jamie Gittens told to embrace the pressure at Chelsea after slow Premier League start

When Jamie Gittens arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer, the buzz was real. A £55 million move from Borussia Dortmund, a highlight reel of dazzling runs in the Bundesliga, and the promise of adding spark to Enzo Maresca’s ambitious Chelsea project — it all felt like the beginning of something exciting. But a few months on, the young English winger finds himself in a familiar London storm: big price tag, big expectations, and no immediate results.

After seven games without a goal or assist, Gittens has already been mocked online as a member of football’s infamous “007 club” — the tongue-in-cheek label for new signings who take time to deliver. Yet amid the noise, a familiar face has stepped forward with words of reassurance.

Florent Malouda knows exactly what Gittens is going through. The former Chelsea winger endured his own rough start when he joined from Lyon in 2007, but he fought through the criticism to become a beloved figure during one of the club’s most successful eras. His message to Gittens? Don’t crumble.

“You have to handle the pressure” — Malouda’s advice for Gittens

Enter Malouda, the man who knows exactly what Gittens is going through

Speaking to The Athletic, Malouda offered his perspective with the kind of calm that only experience can bring. “You should not be affected by this,” he said. “They are your fans and have the right to express their feelings. If you play for a club like Chelsea, you must be able to handle that pressure. They want your best.”

It’s a sentiment that perfectly captures the reality of life at a big club. Chelsea fans expect immediate impact — it’s part of the culture. And when those expectations aren’t met, the reaction can be sharp. But Malouda insists that this criticism is never personal; it’s part of the love language of a demanding fanbase.

“How did I win them over?” he reflected. “Commitment. Every transfer window there were rumours, but I stayed and fought for the cause. The fans gave it back to me because they saw I loved the club. They saw I was defending it with everything I had.”

It’s hard to argue with his credentials. By the time Malouda left Chelsea, he’d lifted five major trophies — including the 2010 Premier League and FA Cup double and the 2012 Champions League. He scored 45 goals, created nearly as many assists, and became a symbol of consistency in a side filled with superstars.

So when he says patience pays off, Gittens would do well to listen.

A new project, new challenges

For Gittens, the circumstances are different but the pressure is the same. At 21, he’s still adjusting to the Premier League — a division faster, more physical, and far more unforgiving than the Bundesliga. His cameo against Liverpool last weekend, a lively 15-minute spell that saw him test Giorgi Mamardashvili, offered a glimpse of his raw potential. But for now, he remains a project rather than a finished product.

Malouda, who was at Stamford Bridge to watch that match, saw enough to believe Gittens is on the right path. “It’s a learning process,” he said. “When you are so young and join a club like Chelsea, you have to build your confidence. The talent is there. You just have to be fearless — that is the only way.”

Fearlessness is something Chelsea’s new generation will need in abundance. Unlike the veteran-laden dressing room Malouda joined in 2007 — with leaders like John Terry, Frank Lampard, and Didier Drogba — today’s squad is the youngest in the Premier League. That youthfulness brings energy but also inconsistency.

“This project is about developing young players who need to win things together,” Malouda explained. “It’s a different kind of pressure. When you see the money spent, there’s expectation and weight on their shoulders.”

No excuses — only opportunity

Some have pointed to Gittens’ limited pre-season as a reason for his slow adaptation. Because of Dortmund’s Club World Cup involvement, he only joined Chelsea two weeks before the campaign began. But Malouda is having none of that.

“Short term, that makes a difference,” he admitted. “But it’s not about proving yourself over two or three months. You have to look at the bigger picture. If you belong at Chelsea, it doesn’t matter about pre-season. You must deliver when given the chance. Pre-season is the past — you should not use that as an excuse.”

It’s tough love, but it comes from a place of truth. The Premier League doesn’t wait for anyone. Every performance is scrutinised, every missed chance magnified. For a £55m winger, the margins are even thinner. Yet Malouda’s own journey proves that early struggles don’t define careers — they shape them.

Garnacho’s arrival adds fuel to the fire

Complicating Gittens’ challenge further is new signing Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine arrived from Manchester United for £40m and has quickly settled into the side, starting three of Chelsea’s last four matches and already earning applause from the stands.

But rather than viewing Garnacho as a threat, Malouda believes competition is a gift. “When I was there, Chelsea signed new strikers every season — Drogba, Crespo, Shevchenko. It’s what you want at a big club. It keeps you sharp,” he said.

“As a young player, you sometimes want personal attention, but at the top level you need a strong squad. Look at Liverpool and Manchester City — they compete every year because they have depth. That’s what Chelsea want. You have to embrace that.”

It’s a crucial mindset shift. Instead of comparing himself to Garnacho, Gittens needs to see the Argentine’s arrival as motivation to push harder, train smarter, and make his impact undeniable.

Winning over the Bridge

The relationship between player and fanbase at Chelsea has always been emotional — sometimes brutally so. Supporters demand fight, passion, and moments that make them believe again. It’s why players like Drogba, Lampard, and Azpilicueta were adored — not just for what they achieved, but for how they bled for the shirt.

Malouda believes Gittens can eventually earn the same respect. “The fans are not your enemies,” he said. “They want to see you give everything. When they feel that, they will be with you.”

All it might take is one goal — a spark that reignites belief. Football has a funny way of changing narratives overnight. A deflected strike, a match-winning assist, or a moment of magic can turn jeers into cheers faster than any press conference or quote ever could.

The bigger picture

Chelsea’s owners have made their strategy clear: build a team for the future. Long contracts, young stars, and the hope that a golden generation will grow together. But growth is rarely linear. It’s messy, uncertain, and often painful.

Gittens’ early months in England are part of that process. He’s learning the rhythm of the league, the demands of the fans, and the expectations that come with wearing Chelsea blue. His £55m price tag means patience will be limited, but his potential ensures that belief hasn’t wavered just yet.

Malouda’s words echo a truth every young player must learn: form fades, class endures. What matters is resilience — the ability to keep showing up, even when the headlines sting.

From potential to proof

If history is any guide, this rocky start could become just a footnote in Gittens’ Chelsea story. Malouda’s debut season ended with just two goals and one assist — modest numbers for a winger of his calibre. But by staying committed, he turned doubt into devotion.

That’s the blueprint for Gittens now: keep working, keep believing, and trust that effort eventually earns applause. The Premier League’s spotlight is harsh, but it also rewards those who don’t shy away from it.

With Garnacho pushing him in training, a manager who values attacking flair, and the support of a club that clearly sees something special in him, Gittens still has everything to play for.

And as Malouda himself said, “With one goal, one assist, a sparkle from Jamie, he can turn things around.”

All he needs is that spark — and the patience to let it catch fire.