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LONDON • Cesar Azpilicueta, captain of Chelsea, insists that the much maligned Jorginho will eventually silence the critics, because he is in great shape before the decisive blow between London and the League against Watford.
The Italian midfielder had a difficult first season after his heavy performances made him a goal for the club's frustrated fans.
Blues boss Maurizio Sarri brought Jorginho with him from Naples in the tight season after identifying the Chelsea midfielder as a weak link.
He thought the player was the ideal man to implement his tactical game plan after working together successfully in Serie A.
Things did not go that way. Chelsea, with N Golo Kante dismissed from his favorite defensive role in the midfield, struggled to adapt to "Sarri-ball", which provoked criticism from Jorginho and his coach.
But Azpilicueta highlighted Thursday the influential performance of 27-year-old Brazilian-born Jorginho, at Eintracht Frankfurt, as proof of its importance.
Even though he was treated due to a head injury, he was the key figure in his 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals.
Azpilicueta said: "It was an important match for him, he grew up in the game by getting more control, creating more space for both offensive midfielders, where he could find them in very positions. dangerous.
"He can create this pbad and go ahead." It also meant we could enjoy more space in front of us.
Jorginho's performance has allowed his fellow countryman Ruben Loftus-Cheek to give his best club performances, including badistance for Pedro's equalizer.
Now, the Blues return to action in the Premier League while Watford, finalist of the FA Cup, visit Stamford Bridge.
The fourth Sarri team is guaranteed to qualify for the next season's Champions League by placing in the top four if it wins against Watford and Leicester in their last two games.
Chelsea, two points ahead of Arsenal, fifth in the standings (66), can also reach the Champions League by winning the Europa League.
If the Gunners do not win today at home against Brighton, the Blues will be badured to rank among the top four with a win over Watford.
After his impressive performance, Loftus-Cheek could be an important player at the end of the season, but Sarri thinks that he should not overexpose the player.
He said the 23-year-old will never be able to overcome the back problems that have frustrated his season and his senior career, and that he will still have to follow a personalized training and fitness program. to maximize his playing time.
The midfielder, who has a curve in the lower back spine, has been suffering from muscle spasms since his teenage years and, with a specific workout routine, went to yoga to handle the problem.
"I do not think he'll need surgery," Sarri said. "But we have to control it.
"For a month, he is able to train every day, so for us, it's really very important."
AGENCY FRANCE-PRESS, LE GUARDIAN
CHELSEA V WATFORD
Singtel TV Ch103 and StarHub Ch228, 8:50 pm
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