Sarri: Higuain Keen To Prove Himself

Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri has backed Gonzalo Higuain to reproduce his best form at Stamford Bridge.

The Argentina striker last weekend scored twice against Huddersfield – his first goals for Chelsea on his third appearance since signing on loan from Juventus – and is expected to lead the attack on Sunday at Manchester City.

Higuain scored 36 Serie A goals in 35 appearances for Sarri’s Napoli in 2015-16 and the Blues boss says the 31-year-old striker is keen to respond from a disappointing loan spell at AC Milan earlier this season.

“In the moment he is really very determined,” Sarri said. “Gonzalo is very suitable for my football, so the feeling is really fantastic.”

The signing of Higuain – an expensive recruit in his 30s – is contrary to Chelsea’s usual transfer policy and Sarri has previously acknowledged the need for the striker to swiftly make an impact.

Higuain’s only season under Sarri at Napoli was such a success that he described his coach as like a father. “I hope I am the football father! I don’t know the mother of Gonzalo,” Sarri joked on Friday.

The Blues boss is encouraged by the relationship developing between Eden Hazard and Higuain.

Hazard was deployed as a ‘false nine’ in December when Chelsea beat City 2-0, ending a 21-game unbeaten league run for Pep Guardiola’s side, but Higuain is likely to be the attacking focal point on Sunday.