16 Feb 2019 08:51:02
In my opinion Chelsea have got a decision to make, they've got to pick between their manager - Sarri, and their best player - Kante.
When played in the holding role Kante is the best, and most important, player in the side. But he is being shoehorned into a position that doesn't suit him. Every now and again he will win the ball in the attacking third, in a similar way to how he used to in the defensive third, but it's his use of that ball in the final third that causes problems. He simply doesn't look comfortable in his new role, but he is such a quality player that he can't be dropped.
Now, i'm not completely down on Jorghino. I do not think he is a bad player. He has almost played as much football as he did last season already, this combined with the much higher pace of the Premier League probably means he needs a rest. But Sarri will never take him out the side and Sarri will never put Kante alongside him to take the pressure off him. Away against City, where I was pained to agree with Jamie Redknapp's assessment of the game (a horrible situation), it was clear to EVERYONE except Sarri that Jorginho needed help and Kante should have been played deeper. Pogba is going to cause Jorginho problems on Monday night, Jorginho will need help - but he won't get it.
I was supportive of Sarri for a long time, but his mismanagement of this area of the pitch that makes me want he club to move on. There's an apparent inability to recognise that he needs to adapt his tactic's to suit his squad, not the other way round, and that his tactics will not work against every opposition. If the club decide to stick with him, and stick with his tactics then they may as well sell Kante because he doesn't fit into those tactic's - we may as well sell him and buy someone who does fit into the tactic's.
I know who I'd rather still have at the club next season.
{Ed001's Note - why do people keep talking about Kante being a holding midfielder? That was exactly the mistake Conte made when he first took over. He played Kante as the holding mid and Matic in front. Once he swapped them over you went and won the Prem. Kante is a central midfielder and there is no need to make a decision between him and Jorginho. All Sarri has to do is play him a few yards deeper with the freedom to go where he feels he needs to. He is just playing 5-10 yards too far forward to use his cleverness and reading of the game to cut off opposition attacks as they are bypassing him. He does not need to be in a holding role for that.}
16 Feb 2019 09:16:02
I think we are agreeing with each other, aren't we Ed?
I never described Kante as a holding midfielder. I said that the more advanced role (I agree about 5-10 yards too far forward) doesn't suit him, I also made the point that he should be played deeper to help out Jorginho, not replace him. If we're going to rest Jorginho then Kovacic is probably more suited to that role.
{Ed001's Note - you just said: When played in the holding role Kante is the best, and most important, player in the side.
And that is a direct quote mate.}
16 Feb 2019 09:20:39
Thank you Ed great response sense at last.
{Ed001's Note - cheers mate, I just do not understand why Sarri doesn't spot it.}
16 Feb 2019 09:40:46
Ok, I should have put deeper role.
{Ed001's Note - no worries.}
16 Feb 2019 10:08:46
J, I always enjoy reading your posts but I am not sure why Chelsea have to choose between Sarri and Kante.
Sarri does seem to be set firmly in his ways when it comes to style, shape, certain players and substitutions but I think the structure of his coaching staff should be able to discuss these issues with the manager in a full and frank way.
It is in their interest to get constructive messages over to Sarri. After all if he gets the tin tack it’s likely they will as well.
16 Feb 2019 10:12:01
100 % agree with you Ed1, you do talk a lot of sense mate and that's why i agree with you a lot. If only you could phone Sarri and tell him to play Kante slighter deeper for us lol. He just needs to swollow that bitter pill and accept that he may have been wrong initially.
{Ed001's Note - I don't understand why it is so difficult for him, it would not stop him playing the way he wants to.}
16 Feb 2019 10:20:18
All we need to do is switch to a 4-2-3-1. Simple. Kante isn’t or never has been a holding mid he is best in a two man like he played with Matic and Drinkwater. When will people realise. Even Gary Linekar still doesn’t understand. Pundits should know better.
16 Feb 2019 11:49:25
My point was mainly that Sarri won't change. I agree, the side is screaming out for 4-2-3-1 but Sarri won't do it and, whether you think he's a holding, deep lying or central midfielder, I think 99% can agree that Kante is wasted in his current position.
Tom, I can't see Sarri listening to anyone, including his backroom staff. It's this stubbornness that's his downfall.
16 Feb 2019 16:48:02
I agree there J. I think Kante is our most consistent player just out of position. Dropping Jorginho for Kova and playing him deeper would help too and of course CHO for either Willian/ Pedro. But I also think his stubborness will cost him his job.
16 Feb 2019 19:02:48
I think sarri probably does know Kante would be better a tad further back but he is so insistent on his system using a ball winner ie kante, that I don’t see it changing unless we have an actual system overhaul.