Ashley Cole has claimed that Chelsea should be patient with head coach Maurizio Sarri.

The Italian was brought in as a replacement for Antonio Conte during the summer, but Chelsea have produced inconsistent results since the end of November and it has resulted in criticism of the Blues boss.

However, former left-back Cole feels that Sarri deserves time to try to be successful, while adding that he requires help from his squad of players.

Cole told Sky Sports News: "I don't think he's under pressure just yet. He's come into a team and tried to put his philosophy there. I think it is down to the players as well, they've got to react and understand how he wants them to play.

"I watched 'Sarri-ball' at Napoli when I was in Italy and the football they played from the back with the goalkeeper was amazing. Now, all the players have got to get on board with that.

"I think it boils down to confidence. The Napoli players knew how he wanted them to play, they had the confidence to play it out of the back and they went with the philosophy. With Chelsea, some of the players have to get with it sooner rather than later but he's definitely a great manager.

"In terms of the players, if they win a few games then everything is rosy again. On recent results, top four wouldn't be enough."

Chelsea hold a two-point lead over Manchester United in the race for fourth position, while the West Londoners remain in each of the three cup competitions.