BBC pundit: Sarri is the problem, not Chelsea’s players

Alan Shearer has suggested Maurizio Sarri has got it wrong with some of his key decisions as Chelsea boss.

Sarri has deployed Eden Hazard as a striker and N’Golo Kante in a more attacking midfield role.

Results have been mixed – and the Blues were outplayed in their 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.

Head coach Sarri launched a scathing attack on his players after the game at the Emirates Stadium, questioning their attitude and motivation.

However, speaking on Match of the Day, pundit Shearer insisted Chelsea’s main problem is Sarri’s tactical approach.

The former England captain said: “They’re not scoring enough goals. They’re not getting enough people in the box.

“They’ve got Hazard playing in a centre-forward position that I don’t think he’s comfortable in.

“Hazard as a centre-forward has got to hold it up, got to bring people into the game and he’s not able to do that – it’s not what he’s good at.

“It’s alright the manager moaning about the players’ attitude, but he’s playing their best two players, Kante and Hazard, out of position. That’s not helping them at all.”

And Shearer believes Sarri’s public criticism of his players is also a big mistake.

“We’ve seen it in the past when managers have criticised players openly on television. It doesn’t work,” Shearer said.