Sarri unhappy with Chelsea’s second-half display
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri criticised his team for reverting to what he described as “long-ball” football during the second half against Manchester United.
The Blues’ unbeaten record under Sarri was dramatically preserved by Ross Barkley’s injury-time equaliser at Stamford Bridge.
Sarri was pleased to rescue a point but unhappy with Chelsea’s approach after Anthony Martial had equalised early in the second half.
Martial scored again to put United ahead and Chelsea were on the verge of defeat when Barkley levelled late on.
“I was very happy with our performance for 60 minutes,” Sarri said after the 2-2 draw.
“We played our football but after the first (United) goal we haven’t played our football – only long balls. I think United are better than us in this kind of football.
“To get one point in the last minute is okay for the confidence of the players but I have to look at something else. I have seen the match from the bench and now I have to analyse it.
“We played our football for 60 minutes and suddenly stopped with our football and played another football, with long balls.
“We are not organised for that because I do not want us playing for second balls. I don’t want to play that way. I want to play with short passes.
“They have to play my football, with character.”
Sarri revealed he apologised to United’s former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho after the game.
Mourinho had to be restrained after reacting furiously to celebrations by Chelsea assistant coach Marco Ianni after Barkley’s goal.
