Stability is definitely not one of Chelsea’s mottos. Managers win trophies but they don’t last long under Roman Abramovich’s rule once they start losing. Since he became the president for Chelsea in 2003, there is a long list of managers who have been sacked by the Russian oligarch: Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink, Carlo Ancelotti, Andre Villas-Boas, Roberto Di Matteo, Rafael Benitez, and Antonio Conte. Nevertheless, The Blues have managed to win 15 trophies since he took over, making Chelsea the second most successful English club behind only Manchester United (17) over that span.
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Maurizio Sarri is the latest to enter the revolving door.
“…dressed on the touchline in a scruffy T-shirt and cap, looking less like the boss of a Premier League club and more like a bloke who has come to paint the kitchen.” – ESPN.com writer Ian Darke.
Yet, Chelsea’s players look rejuvenated under the former banker’s leadership. His relaxed, philosophical approach to coaching suits David Luiz and Alvaro Morata, players who were in Conte’s doghouse at the end of last season. It also seems to suit others as Chelsea is off to a perfect start, with four wins in four Premier League matches so far.
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Sarri’s attacking scheme suits Chelsea
He even managed to convince players who were on the verge of abandoning ship, Eden Hazard and Willian to stay at the club. The attacking style he dictates was a big reason why they made the decision. It draws players like a magnet. It even drew the praise of Pep Guardiola when his Manchester City played Napoli in the Champions League last season.
Bringing Jorginho was key, as he is the player who lightens the weight off the 59-year-old’s shoulders and makes for an easier transition to English football. N’Golo Kante had to be sacrificed in order to make way for Jorginho. The Frenchman has had to adapt to a more advanced role, a freedom he seems to be enjoying, at least for the time being. Forgotten man Pedro has resurrected as well, with three goals in four games, one less than his 2017/18 total.
Despite the promising start, it will take time for Sarri’s changes to take full effect, something the Italian manager is aware of.
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“This is okay if you are 18, but at 28 it might be hard to do things differently to the way you always did them,”
This Chelsea team is already more entertaining than Conte’s ever was. Is Maurizio Sarri’s system that good or are Chelsea’s players simply happy to get away from Antonio Conte’s strict regime? Time will tell…