Mamadou Sarr opens up on ‘horrible’ Chelsea spell after PSG mistake

Senegal international Mamadou Sarr has described his time at Chelsea as a difficult experience, admitting that criticism following a costly mistake against Paris Saint-Germain left him struggling for confidence.

The 21-year-old defender, who is currently on loan at Spanish side Real Sociedad, endured a challenging spell at Stamford Bridge after initially joining Chelsea from Strasbourg.

Sarr moved to Strasbourg from Olympique Lyonnais in the summer of 2024 before signing for Chelsea a year later. He was immediately loaned back to the French club for the 2025-26 season.

However, his circumstances changed midway through the campaign following Liam Rosenior’s appointment as Chelsea manager. Sarr was recalled from his loan spell after the English coach arrived at Stamford Bridge and was given an opportunity to establish himself in the first team following the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Senegalese defender initially impressed with some encouraging performances but came under intense criticism after making a costly error against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League.

His situation became more complicated following Rosenior’s departure, with Sarr subsequently struggling to secure regular playing time.

Speaking to French newspaper L’Équipe ahead of Real Sociedad’s meeting with former club Lyon in the Europa League, Sarr admitted that the period was particularly difficult.

“It was really very difficult – a rollercoaster,” he said.

“I was coming back from the AFCON and I was on a cloud. I started to play, have some good matches, but the one against PSG and that error came quickly.

“No news. No sign of life. The first week was horrible regarding the criticism. And Rosenior, who brought me, was quickly ejected.

“Not doing your job any more, staying on the bench and watching your teammates play was very hard to experience, especially without any explanation.”

Sarr also revealed that he had expected to feature at the World Cup but struggled to make an impact because of his lack of match fitness.

The defender credited his mental coach with helping him overcome the difficult period and prevent his confidence from deteriorating further.

He has since rediscovered his enjoyment of football at Real Sociedad, where he believes the environment is better suited to his development.

“I am living again. I had to be patient and find the best way out of Chelsea. I was hungry, very hungry. I wanted just one thing: to play football,” he added.

Sarr also drew comparisons between Real Sociedad and Lyon, describing both clubs as environments where young players can develop and receive trust.

“I have rediscovered a bit of the Lyonnais atmosphere. A very good club on a sporting level and a family club, too, that trusts in young players. Real Sociedad is the perfect club for me.”

Despite his difficult experience in England, Sarr has not lowered his ambitions. The Senegal international wants to become “the best defender in the world” and win football’s biggest honours, including the World Cup and Champions League.