Defender on road to full fitness but left frustrated with Chelsea defeat

After making his first start and completing 90 minutes for Latics on Saturday Ronnie Stam admitted that whilst he was pleased to be on the road to full fitness, he was left devastated with the defeat to Chelsea.

Playing at full-back the Dutch defender linked-up well with Charles N'Zogbia on the right-wing and provided a different option going forward, but was frustrated the team's attacking play could not bring a goal;

"I cannot enjoy it if we are defeated 6-0," said Stam.

"It was my first 90 minutes in six months, I felt a little tired towards the end and did what I could for the team but we just couldn't get the goals we needed.

"I enjoyed playing with Charles on the right-wing, I think we teamed up well and led a few good attacks, but again getting the ball in the net is the important thing and it was frustrating not to be able to do that.

"All I can do is try to play like this every week and give 100% for the fans and hopefully I'll be getting fitter with each game and be able to give more on the pitch."

Stam explained that the team's first-half performance deserved a goal, and that against sides like Chelsea you must take full advantage of any opportunities that come your way;

"It was unbelievable. In the first-half we played very well but didn't manage to get ourselves the goal we deserved.

"When you're playing so well and limiting the opposition to so few chances you have to take advantage and get the goals your play deserves.

"If you play as well as we did you have to make yourself comfortable in the game, but the first chance they got they scored from.

"Sooner or later a team like Chelsea will always create chances and in the second-half we gave them too much space which they punished us for."