Despite the fact that he’s not a first team regular, Chelsea defender Gary Cahill is the team captain. Blues boss Maurizio Sarri confirmed as such Friday during a news conference. The Italian also made it known that another defender, Cesar Azpilicueta, is the Vice-Captain of the team.
“The captain is Cahill, and, if he’s not on the pitch, it’s (Cesar) Azpilicueta,” said Sarri ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash at home against Crystal Palace. The 32-year-old English international has been linked with a move away from the club in the January transfer window. Cahill has said publicly that he might have to leave Stamford Bridge in order to gain regular first team football.
“Cahill was the captain last season and I have spoken with his mates, and everybody told me that he was really a very good captain,” Sarri added.
Sarri was asked about the potential for Cahill to leave the Blues in January.
“It depends on him,” Sarri responded. “I think he played very often in the last seven, eight matches. It depends on him and the club. For me, Cahill is very important on the pitch, but also off the pitch.”
Only time will tell if this public confirmation of his status as team captain will change Gary Cahill’s mind about his club future.
Crystal Palace at Chelsea FC FYIs
Kickoff/TV: Sunday, November 4, 4PM local Stamford Bridge, Sky Sports
Odds via bwin: Crystal Palace 21/2, Draw 5/1, Chelsea FC 13/50
Injury report for both teams: go to this link
Prediction: Chelsea FC 3, Crystal Palace 0
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
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