Maurizio Sarri has dropped a hint that he will continue to utilise Eden Hazard as a false nine for Chelsea.
The Belgian has featured in the unconventional role in recent weeks, scoring in Sunday’s win at Brighton to take his tally for the season to eight league goals.
Sarri previously had success at Napoli by converting Dries Mertens from a wide position into a more central role, and believes Hazard has the ability to shine through the centre.
“In Napoli I was used to playing with a solution like this (without a traditional number nine),” Sarri told the press after his sides win at the Amex.
“This is very important for us, to have continuity or it is impossible to stay in the top four.
“It is important to stay very close to the top four. I want to see continuity from the mental point of view and the tactical point of view.
“We need to get 80 points to get into the top four.”
Chelsea’s latest win sees the Blues remain in fourth place in the Premier League table, three points clear of fifth place Arsenal.