Ba ready to fight for first-team place

Chelsea striker Demba Ba says he is ready to stake a claim for a regular first-team role under Rafael Benitez.

Chelsea striker Demba Ba says he is ready to stake a claim for a regular first-team role under Rafael Benitez.

The 27-year-old has had to share lone responsibilities up front with Fernando Torres since arriving from Newcastle in January, but Ba is ready to impress in light of the Spaniard’s inconsistent form and cement his place as the Blues’ first-choice striker – even if that means competing with another new arrival in the summer.

“Everywhere you go, competition is there. It will always exist,” he said.

“I’m at one of Europe’s biggest clubs and, each year, they’re going to bring in a striker. That’s part of football. It’s what makes you better if you take it the right way.

“I work, I know what I can achieve. If they buy a new forward, it’ll help me improve. I won’t let myself be pushed around.”

Ba was a fan favourite at Newcastle before deciding to make the move to Stamford Bridge, a choice which he describes as ‘logical’ despite severing his relationship with the St James’ Park faithful.

He added: “There is a logic to everything. When you work, you always get to where you want to go.

“I look at the work I’ve put in with my fitness coach and watching videos of my performances.

“The more you watch yourself play, the more mistakes you put right. When I look at the work I’ve put in in the last six or seven years, I’m not surprised I can do such things now.”