I’M SARRI, I CAN’T REMEMBER WILLIAN DIVING

MAURIZIO SARRI has dismissed the criticism aimed at Chelsea ace Willian for diving last weekend – by declaring himself too “old” to remember what happened.

When reminded that his Brazilian winger had been booked for simulation in their 4-0 win at Burnley seven days ago, the Italian coach claimed he was unaware of the details.

Willian was hammered on Match of the Day by BBC pundit Ian Wright over his blatant attempt to con the officials into awarding Chelsea a penalty.

The Chelsea supremo, 59, whose unbeaten outfit host Crystal Palace this afternoon, responded: “No, no, no. At this moment I don’t remember the situation because I am old man.

“I don’t remember exactly the situation you are talking about. I remember the yellow card but I don’t remember his actions.”

Whether that excuse for swerving the subject should be taken at face value is open to debate. But it is probably safe to assume Sarri has not had words with Willian (below).

As for catching Match of the Day every weekend – or caring what players-turned-analysts have to say about his high-fliers – Sarri was equally vague.

The former Napoli and Empoli boss said: ‘’On television, I only look at all of a match. If the screen is green, I watch .”

Two players not in Sarri’s plans are Victor Moses and Danny Drinkwater.

Nigerian star Moses, 27, was a first-team regular at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

But since the summer arrival of Italian coach Sarri, the Blues wing-back has found himself dumped on the bench.

Drinkwater’s only action this term was as a sub in the Community Shield.

And Sarri concedes that is unlikely to change as they do not suit the way he sets up his team. Their chances of breaking into the first team seem bleak. Sarri said: “I don’t know. “They have to improve – but their characteristics are a little bit different.”