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From Chelsea to Regret: Sarri’s Journey
Maurizio Sarri, the seasoned Italian manager, is back in the spotlight, expressing his heartfelt regrets about leaving Chelsea after just one season. Despite a successful tenure that saw him lift the Europa League trophy and secure a top-four finish, Sarri admits he made a hasty decision to return to Italy, driven by a mix of fear and uncertainty surrounding the club’s management. Now, he’s eager to return to the Premier League and rectify his past mistakes.
A Season of Triumphs and Trials
During his time at Chelsea, Sarri achieved notable success, guiding the team to a Europa League victory and a third-place finish in the Premier League. However, the tumultuous atmosphere at the club, exacerbated by former owner Roman Abramovich’s visa issues and a lack of clear leadership, made Sarri’s job increasingly challenging. He recalls, “I could have stayed at Chelsea. I wanted to come back to Italy because the situation at Chelsea was not easy.”
The Smoking Gun: Sarri’s Unwavering Habits
Even as he reminisces about his time in England, Sarri remains steadfast in his habits. A chain-smoker, he candidly stated that he wouldn’t give up smoking even if it meant adhering to no-smoking regulations in stadiums. His attachment to English football runs deep, and he feels there’s unfinished business waiting for him in the Premier League.
Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on his departure, Sarri acknowledges that his decision was influenced by the chaotic environment at Chelsea. With key figures like Abramovich sidelined and the club lacking a sporting director, he felt insecure about his position. “It would have been better to stay there,” he admitted. Despite the setbacks, he believes he could have achieved even greater success had he remained.
Sarriball: A Style Yet to be Fully Embraced
One of the most significant challenges Sarri faced was convincing Chelsea fans of his possession-based philosophy, known as ‘Sarriball’. Despite some heavy defeats, including a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City, Sarri’s overall results speak for themselves. He stated, “If Chelsea were able to get into the top four then my football must have been suitable.”
Fond Memories of Loftus-Cheek
Among the players Sarri managed, Ruben Loftus-Cheek holds a special place in his heart. The talented midfielder faced significant injury challenges during his time at Chelsea, but Sarri believes he has the potential to excel in the future. “I hope now there is a great future for him. He deserves it,” he remarked, reflecting on the difficulties Loftus-Cheek faced with injuries.
Current Chelsea: A New Hope
Looking at the present Chelsea squad, Sarri expresses optimism about the direction under current manager Enzo Maresca. He believes that Maresca is fostering a sense of unity within the team, transforming them from a collection of talented players into a cohesive unit. “My feeling is that Chelsea are becoming a team again now—not 11 good players,” he noted, hinting at a bright future for the club.
The Pressure of Premier League Management
As the Premier League season progresses, the pressure mounts on managers, with two already dismissed. Sarri, however, remains undeterred in his desire to return to management. He emphasises the importance of maximising a team’s potential over merely winning trophies, stating, “To get 101 percent from the players, the team as a whole, is better than winning.”
Ready for a New Chapter
With his sights set on a return to the Premier League, Sarri is keen to find a new club that offers both potential and the right environment for success. He is ready to embark on a new chapter in his managerial career, driven by his passion for football and a desire to prove himself once more.
As the football world watches closely, Maurizio Sarri’s next move could well be a significant one, both for him and for the club fortunate enough to secure his expertise.
