Maurizio Sarri Explains Why He Refuses To Play N’Golo Kante In His Regular Position

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has explained why he steadfastly refuses to play N'Golo Kante in his usual position, as the Italian coach continues to cling to his job at Stamford Bridge.

Kante has established himself as one of the world's best holding midfield players over the last three seasons, but has found himself playing on the right of a midfield three a lot of the time under Sarri.

And Monday night's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United was no different.

Summer signing Jorginho was used in the centre of midfield but was constantly crowded out by United's relentless high-octane pressing style, as has been a constant theme of Chelsea's opponents this season.

Many pundits and fans are often left wondering why Kante has been shunted out of position.

Speaking today ahead of the Blues Europa League tie at home to Malmo on Thursday night, the ex-Napoli manager tried to justify his midfield choices:

Sarri says he wants a player who is able to move the ball very fast as the deep-lying midfielder, which is why N'Golo Kante is not playing there, but Kante has been arguably the best defensive midfielder in world football in the past few seasons?

His reasoning has certainly caused plenty of controversy.

Do you think Sarri has a good point?

Let us know in the comments.

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Topics: SPORT, Football News, Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea, League, Football, Premier League, World Cup, France

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_