Gary Cahill has opened up about his lack of involvement in the Chelsea first team this season, as Maurizio Sarri has often opted not to select the England international throughout his first season in charge of the club.
Cahill has been limited to just two Premier League appearances so far this season, with Sarri opting to play the likes of David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen at the heart of his defence ahead of the Englishmen.
Speaking to the Telegraph Cahill summed up his feelings on being left out in the cold this season, and how Sarri has not properly explained the reason for his lack of involvement.
“It’s been very difficult. I have played on a regular basis over the previous six seasons and I’ve won everything with Chelsea, so to be watching from the stands is something I didn’t expect. I know how the whole club works, I’ve got a big relationship with all the players and staff, and yet none of that has been utilised.”
“If you are not playing a player, any player, for two, three, four games, then you don’t have to give a reason for that. But if it gets to eight or nine games, then you have to explain the situation. What’s going on? But the manager hasn’t done that.”
OPINION
Gary Cahill’s comments about being left out of the side this season under Sarri will be upsetting to Chelsea supporters, with the Englishmen being a key figure at Stamford Bridge since he joined the club from Bolton in 2012. The England international has been instrumental in title wins under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, forming an effective initial partnership with John Terry in his first few seasons at the club. Cahill has helped Chelsea to win the Champions League, Europa League, two FA Cups and one League Cup, alongside the two Premier League titles he has won in his trophy filled spell with the club. Therefore for Sarri to just leave him out with no explanation is very harsh, especially considering the amount of experience that Cahill would have to offer the Italian in his first year in English football. Chelsea supporters will probably feel Cahill deserved to be treated better, and they, if not Sarri, would be sad to see him depart Stamford Bridge.