Defiant Sarri refusing to budge on Kante

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Maurizio Sarri is continuing to stand by his decision to play N’Golo Kante in a more attacking position for Chelsea.

Kante has established himself as a world-class defensive midfielder, winning Premier League titles with Chelsea and Leicester as well as the World Cup with France.

Eyebrows have been raised at Blues boss Sarri deploying him in a different role and the Italian has faced more questions about it in the wake of Chelsea’s recent dip in form.

However, speaking at a media conference on Friday afternoon, Sarri said: “The problem is only the results. When we won, the position of N’Golo was ‘good’. So it’s only down to the results.

“At the moment, we’re not winning so it’s normal that some players are playing very badly, some players are in the wrong position.

“I explained why, usually, Kante plays in that position. I have my opinion. I can understand that you or someone else doesn’t agree. But I explained very well why.”

Jorginho, who was rested for the midweek defeat at Wolves, is expected to return to Chelsea’s midfield for Saturday’s game against champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

Sarri has suggested that he could consider leaving out Marcos Alonso but has reservations about doing so, partly because of what the Spaniard offers from set pieces.