Chelsea fans are in for a wild ride under the tutelage of Maurizio Sarri…
The London-based club have kept up their trend of firing a league winning manager the following season. This time, it was Antonio Conte’s turn – but in all fairness, this ploy has brought them regular success. Taking Conte’s place at the helm for Chelsea is Maurizo Sarri. The Italian is one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe these days, and a look back at his coaching career is enough to highlight what he will bring with him to the Premier League.
Despite not playing football professionally, Maurizio Sarri started his coaching career while working as a banker. His first job was in Serie B with Pescara,but he got his big break when he won promotion with Empoli in 2014 and kept them up the following season. In 2015, he left Empoli and was hired by his home-town club Napoli. He spent three seasons in Naples and led them to second, third and second place finishes respectively – but the thing that allowed him to rise to prominence is his thrilling footballing philosophy.
Get rid of the bus! 💥🚌
Maurizio Sarri is getting ready to orchestrate some beautiful football at Chelsea! 😍⚽️
(🎨 – @ZEZO_CARTOONS) pic.twitter.com/nfqa0hClNK
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) July 23, 2018
Fast, attacking football is what sets Maurizio Sarri apart from most coaches in the world. He puts an emphasis on his teams pressing from the front and the line of defence starting from the striker, and prefers a 4-3-3 formation, with the midfield-three being the most crucial component of the team. During his time at Napoli, he played a midfield three consisting of a deep-lying play-maker, a destroyer and a creative midfielder. Jorginho was the deepest of the three midfielders and the arguably most important part of the midfield trio as he allowed Napoli to sustain attacks and maintain their tempo throughout.
Maurzio Sarri’s sides play in triangles in different parts of the pitch, forming partnerships in every part of the field. This is detrimental to the style of his teams, having been termed “Sarri Ball“, as it allows them to dominate possession. In attack, he naturally does not play with a target-man, as we got to see the best of Napoli’s football with Dries Mertens as a number nine.
Chelsea fans can expect to see some high-tempo attacking football with Sarri as their manager. He has made his mark straight away, bringing Jorginho with him from Napoli. The Italian midfielder could prove to be crucial for The Blues as they look to adapt to the methods of their new manager.
In his first 10 minutes in a Chelsea shirt, Jorginho averaged a pass every 18 seconds.
Sarri-ball. pic.twitter.com/KIWpMCSqCK
— bet365 (@bet365) July 23, 2018
Could Sarri deliver at the first time of asking?
All eyes will be on Maurizio Sarri in the Premier League, and will likely prove to be a very good addition with his new ideas and unique personality. Smoking will be the theme on the Premier League touch-lines this season. His biggest trait is the work he does in training, as he’s known to make players better on the training grounds. Chelsea fans can expect to have a very good season, although winning the league will be difficult in his first season. If Chelsea’s players can grasp Sarri’s philosophy, I would not put winning the league past them.