Chelsea news: Maurizio Sarri highlights issue with N’Golo Kante criticism

Chelsea manager Sarri has been criticised for deploying Kante in a more attacking role, with Jorginho often sitting in front of the Blues defence.

For the most part, the France international has impressed. But the brutal fact is the World Cup winner does not look as comfortable as he has done in his previous two years at Stamford Bridge.

Many have questioned Chelsea’s use of Kante, with Sarri even recently criticising the player in public.

But Sarri believes Kante is only under the microscope because of recent results.

Chelsea lost 3-1 to Tottenham at Wembley recently.

And they fell to another defeat in midweek, with Wolves coming from a goal down to win 2-1 at Molineux.

Sarri said today: “The problems are only the results because when we won, the position of N’Golo was good.

“At the moment we are not winning, so it is normal that some players are playing very badly or in the wrong positions.

“It is normal.

“I can understand why you or someone else doesn’t agree, but I have explaind why [we play Kante in a more attacking role], really well.”

Sarri also claimed Chelsea are lacking a leader.

Club captain Gary Cahill is out in the cold, while David Luiz’s erratic side has reared its head.

And Sarri said: “We need a leader and a collective target who can give us motivation.

“The motivation can give us determination.

“I see in some matches we lack determination, like in the last match.”

Chelsea are next in action against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge tomorrow (5.30pm).