Ângelo Gabriel (18) is struggling to adapt to life at Ligue 1 club RC Strasbourg Alsace with the language barrier proving to be a source of isolation for the Chelsea loanee.
Gabriel joined Chelsea in the summer and spent much of the season with the Premier League club. However, he was ultimately loaned to Strasbourg, who in BlueCo share a common owner. The Brazilian winger’s performances in the early stages were promising, however, he has not completed a full 90 minutes in over six weeks.
The Brazilian’s lack of defensive work has caused issues for Les Alsaciens recently, notably during last weekend’s draw against Olympique de Marseille. Patrick Vieria admitted that there were defensive issues down the right flank with Frédéric Guilbert being particularly exposed.
Gabriel has ‘mitigating circumstances’
Whilst things have taken a turn in the wrong direction on the pitch, Gabriel is also reportedly struggling to assimilate in Strasbourg. As shown in a video posted on RCSA’s social feed upon his arrival, Gabriel speaks Portuguese and Spanish, but not French.
“It has been difficult these past weeks,” a source at Strasbourg told L’Équipe. “He has mitigating circumstances. He is discovering European football, he didn’t do the preseason with us and he has felt a bit isolated because of the language barrier,” the source added.
Amidst the downturn in form, the Chelsea loanee is set to drop to the bench when Strasbourg face Stade de Reims on Friday night. He will have to fight to regain his place and ensure that this loan spell in France is a successful and constructive one.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
