Mike Penders has admitted he wants more opportunities at Chelsea but accepts that Xabi Alonso will make the final decision over his place in the team.
The Belgian goalkeeper has largely been restricted to a backup role since returning to Stamford Bridge following his loan spell at RC Strasbourg. Chelsea’s summer signing of Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa has left Penders behind the Argentina international in the goalkeeping hierarchy.
Penders has made two EFL Cup starts, keeping one clean sheet while conceding three goals, but regular Premier League football has yet to follow.
Despite his limited minutes, the 21-year-old has retained his place in the Belgium setup under Mark van Bommel.
Penders determined to earn Chelsea opportunity
Speaking to Het Belang van Limburg while attending a Red Court community project in his hometown of Maasmechelen, Penders made clear that he is eager to play but knows his immediate task is to impress Alonso in training.
“How impatient am I, you ask? Every professional footballer wants to play, and so do I,” Penders said.
“So, I have to show in training that I am worthy; I can’t do more than that. Then it is up to the coach to make the final decision.”
Penders had previously left his future open before returning to Chelsea, indicating in June that another move — potentially a loan — remained possible.
He ultimately stayed in west London after spending the previous campaign with Strasbourg, where regular football provided his first sustained experience in one of Europe’s five major leagues.
The goalkeeper made 52 appearances during that spell, keeping 12 clean sheets and conceding 65 goals as Strasbourg also reached the UEFA Conference League semi-finals.
Life in London going smoothly
Although opportunities on the pitch have been limited, Penders says his adjustment to life away from football has been straightforward.
“In the meantime, I have settled in London. It feels good to have my own place there; the adjustment has gone smoothly,” he said.
His parents, Peter and Cindy, continue to attend his matches and travel to England by ferry, allowing them to bring belongings over for his new home.
“The boat is convenient at the moment because my parents can go by car and bring my things for the new home,” Penders added.
Key Points
- Mike Penders says he wants more playing time but accepts the decision belongs to Xabi Alonso.
- Emiliano Martínez has established himself as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper.
- Penders has made two EFL Cup starts since returning from Strasbourg.
- He made 52 appearances and kept 12 clean sheets during his loan spell in France.
- The Belgian goalkeeper says he has settled comfortably into life in London.
What’s Next
Penders’ immediate challenge is to continue pushing Martínez for opportunities by impressing Alonso in training.
His EFL Cup appearances have provided some first-team minutes, but whether that develops into a larger role will depend on Alonso’s selection decisions as the season progresses.
With Penders having already considered the possibility of another loan before deciding to remain at Chelsea, his game time between now and the next transfer window could also influence discussions about the best route for his development.
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