Defiant Sarri defends tactics and Jorginho

Maurizio Sarri is remaining defiant despite Chelsea’s recent slump. [Picture: John Walton/PA Wire]

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has hit back at criticism of him and Jorginho.

Sarri was jeered by Blues fans during the 4-0 defeat at Bournemouth and his position has come under scrutiny after a poor run which has seen Chelsea drop out of the top four.

Speaking at a media conference on Friday afternoon, Sarri was asked about his apparent reliance on Jorginho, who played under him at Napoli and was his flagship summer signing following his appointment as Chelsea head coach.

Jorginho has struggled to make an impact in the eyes of many, but Sarri defended the midfielder and also dismissed suggestions he needs a Plan B.

“Why? First I want to do very well the Plan A,” Sarri said.

“I don’t want to change something that isn’t working, I want to see it play well and then we look to change something.

“Everybody 10 years ago knew Barcelona, they won everything because they played well their football. I want to play my football.”

Sarri was jeered by Chelsea fans at Bouremouth. [Picture: Adam Matthews/PA Wire]

Sarri has attracted criticism for deploying Eden Hazard as a striker and N’Golo Kante – so effective as a defensive midfielder – in a more attacking role.

Asked if he would considering moving Kante back into a deeper position in place of Jorginho, Sarri said he would only consider doing so for 20 minutes if Chelsea were protecting a lead.

Jorginho tends to have a huge amount of the ball in Sarri’s set-up but his lack of assists has led to his role being questioned.

But Sarri dismissed suggestions the Italy international has struggled to adapt to the Premier League.

He said: “It depends what you want from Jorginho. If it is the last pass, then he has not adapted.

“He usually plays 40 or 45 metres from the goal, so it is impossible to do the last pass. He is very good at other things.”