 |  Even if I 'm not in the groove I have to fight to stay in the team |
Salomon Kalou has enjoyed some distinguished instruction in his fledgling footballing career, from Ruud Gullit and now Jose Mourinho.
Both have given him the confidence to ride out the barren times, when the goals just will not come.
Despite the recent disappointment of missing golden chances for his new side Chelsea, the 21-year-old bubbles with enthusiasm for the game and the contribution he is sure he can make to it.
"I know I will score, I know I will but I don't know when. I just have to be patient," Kalou said.
The Ivory Coast forward made his name at Feyenoord where he delighted crowds with his speed, touch and killer finish, scoring 35 league goals in 67 appearances and winning the 2005 Johan Cruyff Award for young talent.
He also attracted some high-profile backers, including Cruyff and Netherlands coach Marco van Basten, in his fight for Dutch citizenship to play for the national side at last June's World Cup.
His fast-track bid was turned down by immigration minister Rita Verdonk and an appeal rejected by the Netherlands' Council of State amid much publicity.
Chelsea manager Mourinho, snapped him up in the close season for a fee the Dutch media reported at about US$20million.
Chelsea had been tracking him for months, along with several other big European sides. Mourinho even went to watch him play, disguised in scarf, cap and glasses.
"I have no doubts the boy has everything," Mourinho said.
"Chelsea need big players and need the best young talent in the world and in Salomon we are getting that."
Gullit, a former world player of the year, AC Milan, Chelsea and Netherlands midfielder as well as Chelsea manager, was Kalou's mentor at Feyenoord.
The Ivorian, son of a footballing father, had followed his brother Bonaventure there from the Asec Academy in Abidjan.
"Ruud Gullit is the one who really gave me the chance and showed me I can be a good player," Kalou said.
It was Gullit, the man who brought sexy football and the first trophy in 26 years to Stamford Bridge in 1997, who put Kalou in his favourite position, in the hole behind a leading striker.
Mourinho has used him in a variety of roles, starting him as front man of three in a 1-0 win over Newcastle last Wednesday and bringing him on as winger in the side's comeback 3-2 win at Everton last Sunday.
 Kalou joined Chelsea from the Dutch side Feyenoord |
Kalou missed a couple of sitters against Newcastle but looked lively.
Afterwards Mourinho described him as "a little naive" in his choices of shots.
However the coach emphasised his confidence that Kalou would learn and improve by putting him on with Chelsea behind at halftime at Goodison Park. Kalou hit the post.
The Ivorian has scored one goal in 21 appearances, mostly as substitute, for his new club.
"I know that they need me. Even if I know I'm not in the groove. I have to fight to stay in the team," Kalou said.
"I feel disappointed because as a striker if you get a few good chances you must score," he added.
"When you are a striker and you are not scoring goals you start to tighten up. And when you get the chance, you make the quick decision and sometimes the quick decision is not the best."
Kalou has a steady head on young shoulders, however.
"It's not like it's an obsession. I know that goals will come.
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