Former Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has described Jorginho as a ‘beautiful player’ but admitted that he has been less than impressed by his start to life at Stamford Bridge.
In an exclusive interview with Football London, the Frenchman discussed Maurizio Sarri’s midfield dilemma and alluded to the struggles the player has so far encountered.
Jorginho has come in for criticism following his £50 million summer move from Napoli, with the manager utilising him consistently at the base of a three-man midfield.
The Italian international has failed to convince in recent weeks and was picked apart by Manchester City as the reigning Premier League champions defeated Chelsea 6-0 on Sunday afternoon.
Petit gave his verdict on Jorginho’s struggles and, despite praising his abilities as a player, admitted that he hasn’t yet seen enough from the midfielder. He said:
I have nothing against Jorginho, I think he is a beautiful player. But this is the Premier League, this is not Serie A. You don’t play in Italy the same way you play in England. In Italy you have more time when you play, more time to manage the ball and they do it beautifully, no doubt.
But in the Premier League when you play as a holding midfielder you only have two, three seconds to think. You have to see before even receiving the ball. You have to play quick, fast.
I’m far from being convinced about Jorginho on both things that I’ve said. I think he’s got very interesting technical qualities, he’s got very beautiful vision, but he needs to speed up.
The 27-year-old will hope to help the Blues change their fortunes on Thursday night against Malmo in the Europa League before they take on City again, this time in the Carabao Cup final.
