Chelsea boss unsure of team selection for Liverpool clash

Maurizio Sarri says he is unsure how many changes he will make for Chelsea’s cup tie against Liverpool.

Speaking after Sunday’s goalless draw at West Ham, Blues head coach Sarri said he would need to assess his fitness of his players before deciding who to rest for the game at Anfield.

“I want to see a picture of the situation during the training session. Now, really I don’t know,” he said.

“Maybe I will have to change 11 players, maybe only five, but in this moment I don’t know.”

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

They 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 West Ham game 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.