My patchy pre-season has affected me – Atsu

Ghana winger Christian Atsu has admitted the poor pre-season he had at FC Porto has taken a toll on him as far as the early part of the season is concerned.

The 21-year-old was dropped from the Porto squad that traveled to Spain and Uruguay during the pre-season due to his persistent push for a transfer away from the Stadio Da Dragao.

The Cheetah FC product will play on loan in the Dutch League with Vitesse Arnhem after sealing a dramatic move to English giants Chelsea.

Atsu is yet to show his scintillating form in the two outings for the Black Stars as he came off the bench against Zambia and got replaced after the hour mark against Japan.

“The games have been very difficult so far but I needed to be tactically disciplined in order to apiece my coach,” he told XYZ Sports.

“My pre season at FC Porto was not very good because of the protracted transfer saga but the two international games have helped me a lot,” he added.

“I wasn’t under any form of pressure despite the intensity of the games. I think that it will help me to get the season off to the best with Vitesse Arnhem in the Dutch League."