Maurizio Sarri has again defended his decision to deploy Eden Hazard as a centre-forward – and denied Chelsea urgently need to bring in a striker.
The likes of Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson and AC Milan’s on-loan Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain have been linked with Chelsea ahead of next month’s transfer window.
Hazard has been asked to play up front by Blues boss Sarri despite previously indicating that he is not keen on the role.
However, asked at a media conference on Friday if that increased the pressure on Chelsea to bring in a striker, Sarri said: “No. As I said before, I am really very happy with him in this role.
“I don’t know if he prefers to play as a winger or striker, but if he is able to play like the last match in the centre for me it’s not a problem to put him in the centre.
“I can’t see a problem with Hazard in this role. He played four matches as a ‘false nine’ and scored three goals and two assists. I don’t see a problem.”
Asked if he now regards Hazard’s best position as being as a striker, Sarri replied: “It depends on the moment. I think at this moment we need to be solid and with Hazard in this position I think we can become more solid.
“So it’s a good option for the defensive phase but I think it depends on the moment.
“Maybe in the future we will be able to play with Hazard and a striker. It is not a problem.”
As well as debate over Hazard’s role, there has been continued speculation over his future.
The Belgian has repeatedly been linked with Real Madrid, but Sarri says he has no plans to discuss his future with him and will instead leave that to the club’s board.
“I am only the coach. I do not have the power to do this,” Sarri said.
Meanwhile, Pedro faces 10 days on the sidelines with hamstring problem.
This post was last modified on 29/12/2018