Chelsea a year away from matching Liverpool, says Sarri

Maurizio Sarri has reiterated that he believes Chelsea are not yet as strong as Liverpool.

Chelsea will face Jurgen Klopp’s side in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday and the Premier League next weekend in what is sure to be billed as a test of the Blues’ title credentials.

But Sarri has consistently insisted that his side are not yet on the same level as Liverpool and defending champions Manchester City.

And he stuck to his guns after the goalless draw at West Ham when asked about the prospect of taking on the Merseysiders.

Sarri, who took over as Chelsea boss during the summer, said: “We have to play against a team who are very, very good. Against a team that have worked with the same coach for three or four years and they are a step forward of us at this moment.

“We have started to work all together 35 or 40 days ago – less 10 for the international breaks – so for us I think for us it is a bit early.

“We have to work, have to improve, and then I think maybe in one year we will be at the same level as Liverpool.”

Sarri also dismissed suggestions that Chelsea, having found West Ham difficult to break down, might prefer to play against a Liverpool side who are likely to be more open.

“I don’t think so. It will be really a very difficult match. Maybe a spectacular match but for us a very difficult match,” he said.