Submitted by content on Wed, 02/27/2019 - 09:10
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has revealed two players who could handle the burden after the departure of Cesc Fabregas during the winter transfer window. The Spaniard had only played a bit-part role for the Blues through the first half of the season but Sarri has nonetheless expressed the concern, given he had been identified as the back-up to Jorginho in the holding role.
Speaking to reporters, Sarri said that he is looking into the likes of Mateo Kovacic and Ethan Ampadu to adapt to the defensive midfield role such that he can afford a rest for Jorginho when required, he said: “I have to try with our own players. So, I think Mateo Kovacic could be a very good option.
“A very good option, then we need to recover completely Ruben Loftus-Cheek, after his back problem. Then, we can play sometimes with Kovacic as a central midfielder and then Jorginho will be able to rest. We are trying in training with two players; the first is Ethan Ampadu and the second is Kovacic. It may be that for the characteristics, Kovacic is more suitable for this team.”
“Sarri had wanted a replacement for Fabregas shortly after his departure to AS Monaco and this saw the Blues linked“ with the services of Leandro Paredes. Thereafter, the Argentine went on to drop a transfer “hint on social media“ but a deal never materialised with Paris Saint-Germain outbidding the Blues to pursue the former Roma man.
Owing to this, Sarri has been forced to compensate with the options at hand for the campaign and it will be interesting to see who will replace Jorginho when he requires a breather. In previous seasons, N’Golo Kante has been the main player in the holding role but Sarri does not fancy the Frenchman in the position, given he does not offer the strong passing attributes to suit his style of play.