shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > Sports News > Football News > Article > We are in final and yet our season is a disaster

'We are in final and yet our season is a disaster'

Updated on: 24 February,2019 08:17 AM IST  |  London
AFP |

Under-fire Chelsea boss Sarri cannot understand intense pressure on his position as they look to prevent Man City from winning second consecutive League Cup tonight

'We are in final and yet our season is a disaster'

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri. Pic/Getty Images

Maurizio Sarri says he cannot understand why his position as Chelsea boss is under threat when he considers Pep Guardiola's first season at Manchester City. The Italian is clinging to his job, seven months since his appointment, after Chelsea's humiliating 6-0 defeat at City, leaving them outside the Champions League qualification places.


More wins than City
Yet Sarri's Chelsea have more wins at this stage of the season than City did in Guardiola's first season at the Etihad Stadium in 2015-16. Guardiola had a history of success at Barcelona and Bayern Munich and was given time and funds to overhaul City, who will be bidding to win a second successive League Cup against Chelsea at Wembley today.


History suggests Sarri is not likely to receive the same leeway but he also pointed to the praise given to Arsenal boss Unai Emery in the Spaniard's first season in the Premier League.


Sarri, who is seeking the first trophy of his management career, said: "We are in the first final of the season. We are one point from the top four, the same points as Arsenal, and [people say] Arsenal are doing well. "We are doing a little bit better because we are in a final, and yet our season is a disaster. I don't understand.

"I want you to remember that, last season, this team gained 70 points, not 100. Then, in the summer, we changed everything. So there is another problem to solve. So it is not easy."

Tottenham visit Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Wednesday in a big week for Chelsea, with Sarri acknowledging the basic facts. He said: "In my job, I need the result. Nothing else."

Sarri succeeded Antonio Conte in July after Chelsea's fifth-placed finish behind champions City. Guardiola's style of play took time to implement and he had an expensively assembled squad to work with.

More time, please
Sarri clearly feels he should be given the same time, although Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is not renowned for his patience and the transfer ban imposed by FIFA on Friday could have a major impact. Chelsea were unbeaten for the first 18 competitive games of Sarri's spell as head coach until Spurs inflicted a first defeat.

Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK