Maurizio Sarri reiterated that Chelsea must find a replacement for Cesc Fabregas in the January transfer window after admitting that Jorginho was “in trouble” during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Newcastle.
Willian’s first Premier League goal since October gave Chelsea a vital three points in the top-four race after Ciaran Clark’s header cancelled out an early opener from Pedro Rodriguez in a lively first half, but frustration gripped Stamford Bridge as the home side laboured for long spells.
Jorginho’s uncharacteristically error-prone performance made him the subject of particular ire. And after the match, Sarri attributed his marquee summer signing’s disappointing display to a lack of midfield cover in the wake of Fabregas completing a January move to Monaco.
“Today Jorginho was in trouble and on the bench there wasn’t a player for that position,” Sarri said. “I need an option for Jorginho.”
Asked when he expects a Fabregas replacement — reportedly a straight choice between Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Leandro Paredes and Cagliari star Nicolo Barella — to arrive, Sarri replied: “I have no idea.
“It’s not too much [of a worry for me]. [If] the club is worried, I don’t know. The club knows very well my opinion. I need the player there [in that position]. It depends on the club decision, I think. I cannot do anything more.”
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