Hazard and Higuain share footballing language, says Sarri

"You know my opinion, that City is the best team in Europe". We are doing well.

"He is already 28 years old and this would be the flawless moment to leave, it would be a very personal decision though".

"When we have the ball, we have a lot of freedom, not just me but the striker and the right Willian or Pedro, so we can move a lot".

"In the past we used to play more counterattack".

When told that Higuain has described him as a father figure, Sarri joked: 'I hope I am the football father!

Kante has arguably been the most influential signing made by Chelsea since Eden Hazard, having arrived from Leicester City a Premier League victor in the summer of 2016.

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The 21-year-old was forced by governing body the FIA to attend a race of the all-electric Formula E series and observe the stewards.

"I think he is already a top, top, top player but I think he will even improve with time in [his] decision-making and he will be unstoppable".

"He is the coach that has got the best out of me", the 31-year-old said. Kante has been deployed further forward compared to previous seasons, and although this has brought him more goals, he is unhappy at being dislodged from his favoured holding position by recent signing Jorginho.

Asked why he connects with Higuain better than with Morata, Sarri added: "Mentally, I think that we're the same".

The signing of Higuain - an expensive recruit in his 30s - is contrary to Chelsea's usual transfer policy and Sarri has previously acknowledged the need for the striker to swiftly make an impact.

The former Everton man has only started and finished one Premier League game this season with that coming in Chelsea's 4-0 win at Burnley in October.

However, ahead of the crucial match against Manchester City at the Etihad this weekend, Sarri is confident his side will not having difficulties creating chances against the champions.