LONDON • N'Golo Kante insists that he is finally growing into his new role in Chelsea's midfield as the France star prepares for today's English Premier League home clash with Southampton.
He earned a reputation as the world's best defensive midfielder after playing a key role in Chelsea and Leicester's Premier League title triumphs, as well as France's World Cup victory. But the 27-year-old has had to adapt to a change of position this season under new manager Maurizio Sarri.
Sarri, who replaced fellow Italian Antonio Conte in the close season, brought Jorginho with him from Napoli to play the pivotal midfield role in front of the defence that used to be Kante's domain.
Sarri believes Jorginho's superior passing makes him more suited to launching Chelsea's attacks than Kante, who is now operating in a slightly more advanced role on the right side of midfield.
Kante has sometimes looked out of sorts in his different position this season, but he showed signs of getting to grips with it on Sunday, scoring the winner at Crystal Palace with a well-timed run and cool finish.
"This role is something I am enjoying and in a game I try to make that run sometimes," he said.
"David (Luiz) gave me a good ball and I am happy to score with my left foot and give something to the team."
Away wins at Watford and Palace made it a happy Christmas for the Blues. But, still trailing leaders Liverpool by 11 points, their title ambitions have been put on the back-burner as they focus on securing a place in the Champions League via a top-four finish.
They could be hampered by fitness problems, with Olivier Giroud, Cesc Fabregas, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Pedro and Callum Hudson-Odoi all doubtful.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
CHELSEA V SOUTHAMPTON
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He's great to watch - but he's not God." Pope Francis is known to be a football fan, and he is also a club member of Buenos Aires side San Lorenzo. Two goals from Messi gave Barcelona victory in the Catalan derby over Espanyol on Sunday, taking the Liga leaders another step closer to the title. -- REUTERS
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Klopp pointed to City's financial power, backed by the club's Abu Dhabi owners, as a principal reason why they will not be easy to overhaul. However, unlike Manchester United, who ended the season as close to the relegation zone as they were to City, 32 points behind the champions in sixth, City have invested their money wisely.
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 16, 2019, with the headline 'Man City could get transfer ban: report'. Print Edition | Subscribe.
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Iker Casillas and family had not yet recovered from his sudden heart attack when they were hit by another devastating news. Casillas' wife and TV sports journalist Sara Carbonero is suffering from ovarian cancer. Casillas had suffered a heart attack during training at his club FC Porto three weeks ago.
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Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund have insisted Chelsea-target Christian Pulisic will not be allowed to leave in the January transfer window. According to British media reports, Chelsea are interested in the 20-year-old US international, but Dortmund, who want €50 million for the right winger, have blocked a possible departure next month.
Chelsea target Pulisic not for sale in January: Dortmund
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