Sarri told Drinkwater he wouldn’t play

Maurizio Sarri has revealed he told Danny Drinkwater he was surplus to requirements at Chelsea 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 9 April.

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.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s Europa League quarterfinal first leg against Slavia Prague, Sarri said: “He knows very well he has never played because in my opinion he is not suitable to my system, to my way of playing. 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.”

Asked why Drinkwater has stayed, Sarri replied: “I don’t know; probably he hoped we could change the system, I think. I have a very good relationship with him because, in my opinion, he’s a good boy. He’s a good player. He’s a good player.”