Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri says he told Danny Drinkwater he was surplus to requirements before the current season even started. Former Leicester star Drinkwater has not featured at all in a competitive game under head coach Sarri at Chelsea this season, and was arrested on suspicion of drink driving in Cheshire on April 9.
Related: Hazard Could Leave Says Sarri
Sarri informed Drinkwater back in August he could not fit into his tactical system and suggested he find a new club – but the England midfielder opted to remain at Stamford Bridge. “He knows very well he has never played because in my opinion he is not suitable to my system, to my way of playing,” said Sarri.
“I told him everything in August. He appreciated it, but he decided to remain, and so he knew very well the situation. “I spoke with him in August, when the market was still open. I said to him he should look for something different. In my opinion, he doesn’t play. And I said to him the reasons, my reasons. But, as I said before, he decided to stay at Chelsea.”
Asked if Drinkwater is unable to adapt to his “Sarriball” possession style, the Chelsea boss said: “No, I don’t think so. It’s my opinion. Maybe I am wrong, but it’s my opinion. “I try (to be honest). Of course, sometimes you have to say something different. But in 99 per cent of cases, I try to be honest.”
