The Italy international's arrival at Stamford Bridge has forced the Frenchman into an unfamiliar position, prompting criticism from frustrated fans
The complaints came thick and fast after Chelsea's humbling defeat by Tottenham last weekend.
Disgruntled supporters claimed that N'Golo Kante is being played out of position, Jorginho has been worked out and Maurizio Sarri needs a Plan B.
'Sarriball' had been quickly heralded as a bold new philosophy for the historically more pragmatic Chelsea but the radically new approach is now being scrutinised after an ignominious end to the club's 18-game unbeaten start to the season.