Sarri on his tactics, being ‘worried’ about Azpilicueta – and spending just an hour preparing for City
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri spoke about a number of issues at a media conference ahead of the cup final against Manchester City. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.
On why City boss Pep Guardiola was under less pressure than him in his first year
“Because he was was lucky. I don’t know, You have to ask the clubs, both Manchester City and Chelsea. I don’t know if I’m under pressure from my club or from you (the media). I don’t know at the moment.
“But I think if you choose Guardiola you have to wait. Guardiola needs time. It’s not easy for an English team to play this kind of football.”
On the negative perception of ‘Sarri-ball’
“I don’t know the meaning of Sarri-ball. What is Sarri-ball? I think it’s from the journalists, because in Italy I have never heard it.
“At the end the most important thing is the results. Without results everything will be criticised. In my job I need the results.”
On Chelsea beating City this season before losing 6-0 to them
“I think the best match was the first half against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.
“We were lucky in the first match (against City) because we were in trouble in the first half but we scored in the last minute of the first half and then the match changed.
“We were unlucky in the second match because we started very well but conceded a stupid goal and were unable to react so it was a disaster.
“I think the truth is in the middle; the truth is not in the 2-0 (win) two months ago or the 6-0 (defeat) two weeks ago.
“For us in the match it’s important to stay in for a long time and then we will be able to do something”
On Chelsea’s preparations for the final
“In this match (against Malmo on Thursday) for the first 30 minutes I saw a team that was very worried and played without confidence.
“I don’t want to press them [the players]. I want them to play with free minds. We will prepare for the match on Saturday.
“I didn’t like our minds in the first 30 minutes. I want to see something more free. So we will prepare for the match in 60 minutes, no more.”
On whether he tried to rest players with his substitutions against Malmo
“For sure for Kante. And I was a little worried about Azpilicueta because I wanted Davide Zappacosta on the pitch but he had fever so it was impossible for him to play.
“I tried to take Azpi and Kante off for 20 minutes. My feeling from the bench was that Barkley was more tired that Kovacic.”
On the importance of Sunday’s game
“It’s important to win the final. Otherwise you are second. It’s very important for us to find the confidence and we’re in the first final of the season.
“At one point we were in the top four. We are doing a little bit better because we are in a final and our season is (said to be) a disaster? I don’t understand.”
On whether winning would make up for the FA Cup exit
“Of course the Europa League is very important for us – the second competition in Europe. It’s important because if we’re able to win we have a spot in the Champions League. It’s very difficult to stay in four competitions.
“I’m not happy with FA Cup elimination but I have to say it’s better because we have to play less matches. Going to the League Cup final we had to play Liverpool, Tottenham and now City. I’d like to have been in four competitions but on the other hand it’s better to go out of one.”
On whether managers should be judged on trophies won
“No, because it depends on the club. If I am the coach of a small team and I am able stay for 20 years in the Premier League then probably I’m a top coach.
“So It depends on the club. I think it’s easier to win the Champions League at Real Madrid rather than Borussia Dortmund.”
