Maurizio Sarri has made “a very obvious mistake” by playing N’Golo Kante in a more attacking role and is unlikely to still be at Chelsea next season, according to former Arsenal favourite Robert Pires.
Sarri has faced criticism from fans – partly because of his controversial decision to move World Cup winner Kante from his natural defensive midfield position.
And Pires has no doubt that his fellow Frenchman should not be playing in the role Sarri has given him.
In an interview with bWin, Pires said: “Kante is the best defensive midfielder in the world, but he is being asked to play further forward by Sarri at Chelsea this season.
“I think this is a very obvious mistake and when you have the best player in the world in their position, you play them in that position.
“However, I’m not the manager and Sarri is determined to play Jorginho because he wants a creative foundation that Kante can’t guarantee at the base of midfield.”
Recent wins over Tottenham and Fulham have eased the pressure on head coach Sarri, who was reportedly on the verge of being sacked.
But Pires believes this has simply delayed the inevitable and that a change at Stamford Bridge is on the way.
He said: “It’s a very strange situation with Chelsea and how they treat their managers.
“Sarri is a very good manager and he performed very well with Napoli, but it’s hard to see him at the club next season.
“There appears to be a lot of player power at Chelsea that he is struggling to overcome like many have before him.”