Maurizio Sarri won't play N'Golo Kante at CDM because he can't 'move the ball' fast enough

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By Glen Durrant

Published Feb 20, 2019

Kante has been playing out of position all season

Maurizio Sarri is running out of time to save Chelsea's floundering season.Monday's 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester United saw the Blues exit the FA Cup, while they're currently sixth in the Premier League following a 6-0 humbling at Manchester City.This Sunday they take on Pep Guardiola's City in the Carabao Cup final and it's no exaggeration that it's a must-win game.Win at Wembley and Chelsea will receive a much-needed confidence boost heading into the business end of the season; lose and it could be the last we see of Sarri.But first, Chelsea take on Malmo in the Europa League Round of 32 second leg on Thursday and Sarri explained in his pre-match press conference that he's trying to find solutions."As you know very well, it's not very easy because we have no time," said the Italian. "But we are trying to solve our problems. It's not easy."On the pitch, we have no time at the moment. But we are trying to talk with the players. We are trying to avoid some mistakes by video."But it's not easy because we have to play every three days. On the pitch, we have no time. I have to think we are able to improve, and able to improve immediately."Sarri has made numerous changes at Chelsea since taking over last summer - both good and bad - but one that fans simply can't understand is not playing N'Golo Kante in defensive midfield.Kante is arguably the world's best defensive midfielder, yet Sarri has pushed the Frenchman further forward this season and played Jorginho in front of the back four instead.From the outside it's clear that it's not working, but Sarri has now explained why he doesn't want to play Kante in his natural position."In that position, I want a player able to move the ball very fast," said Chelsea's manager on Wednesday. "This is not the best characteristic of N'Golo.