Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has admitted that his style of football is the reason why Blues outcast Danny Drinkwater is struggling to make an appearance for the first team.
Drinkwater, who joined Chelsea in the summer of 2017 on a £35m deal from Leicester City, has yet to make an appearance in the Premier League under Sarri this term.
The 28-year-old’s only appearance for Chelsea this season came during a 30-minute cameo off the bench against Manchester City in the Community Shield in August.
Despite featuring in 22 games across all competitions under Antonio Conte last season, Drinkwater has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and could be forced to leave in January to resurrect his career elsewhere.
Sarri admitted that his style of football is acting as the stumbling block for Drinkwater, who he feels is better suited to playing in a system that has two midfielders instead of three, at the moment.
The Chelsea boss also added that Drinkwater’s future at Chelsea will completely depend on the club and the player’s decision in January.
“He is in the Premier League list, but not Europe”, Sarri said in a press conference.
“He is a very good midfielder, but is suited to playing with two midfielders.
“His problem is my football.
"I don’t know his future, it is up to the club and to him.”
Chelsea will take on Drinkwater's former club Leicester this weekend.
