Sarri on Hazard’s fitness and future, Kante adapting, Drinkwater and being brutally honest with players
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri spoke about a number of issues at a media conference ahead of the game against Slavia Prague. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.
On facing Slavia Prague
“We need to be very careful. They are really very dangerous, have scored six goals in two matches against Sevilla, and are a fast team.
“We need to be very compact and defend very well, because they are dangerous – especially on crosses and counter-attacks.”
On whether Eden Hazard will play
“I don’t know, because yesterday he had only recovery training in the gym, so I didn’t see him.
“He is a little bit tired, like the other players who played 90 minutes. So I want to wait and then I will decide.
“But of course we have to play after three days against Liverpool. I think we need to change five or six players.”
On whether Hazard needs to be leave Chelsea to be considered the world’s best player
“Eden is one of the best. Our dream must be to become the best team in Europe.”
On Chelsea’s appeal against a transfer ban
“No, no, no. I don’t want to talk about this. Football only. We have a club very careful about everything and I don’t want to think about this.
“We are here for the Europa League, which is very important for us. I want my players to focus on the Europa League.”
On Danny Drinkwater
“As he knows very well, he has never played because in my opinion he is not suitable for my system – to my way of playing.
“I told him everything in August. He appreciated it. But he decided to remain. So he knew very well the situation.
“I said to him to look for something different because in my opinion he doesn’t (wouldn’t) play and I said to him my reasons. But he decided to stay at Chelsea.
“I have a very good relationship with him, because in my opinion he is a good boy and is a good player.
“He is able to play in a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1 very well, but not in my way of football.”
On whether Drinkwater trains with the rest of the squad
“Danny is always with us. Only (except) if we are away. He usually has training with the group.”
On whether Drinkwater could adapt to a new role like Kante has
“No, I don’t think so. Maybe I’m wrong, it’s my opinion. My opinion for me is very important.”
“Kante in my opinion can play with the two midfielders and with three midfielders in my football he is better on the right or left because in the centre I want to have a technical player.
“Against Brighton, Jorginho played 161 balls. So for our football it is very important to have a central midfielder who is technical and very fast with his mind and able to play with one touch.
“Kante is wonderful for something different but not for playing with one touch.”
On being honest with his players
“I try. Of course at times you have to say something different, but in 99% of the cases I try to be honest.”
