Sarri irritated by Chelsea’s poor defending

Maurizio Sarri saw his side endure an uncomfortable game. [Picture: Steve Paston/PA Wire]

Maurizio Sarri again voiced concern about Chelsea’s defensive shortcomings following the narrow win against MOL Vidi in the Europa League.

Chelsea scraped a 1-0 victory courtesy of Alvaro Morata’s goal 20 minutes from time.

And Sarri’s side endured some difficult moments as the Hungarian underdogs threatened at Stamford Bridge.


Sarri said: “We have conceded two or three opportunities to the opponent and I think we have to do better in the defensive phase.

“To avoid the counter-attacks of the opponents, we have to do better.”

Morata’s goal was his second of the season. [Picture: Nigel French/PA Wire]


Chelsea missed a number of chances in the first half but boss Sarri was more concerned with what went wrong at the other end of the pitch.

He said: “I was worried about the fact that we have conceded three goal opportunities to the opponents. I am not worried if we don’t score for 45 minutes.”

Morata missed a chance before eventually scoring.

And Sarri believes the Spaniard’s goal – only his second of the season – might prove to be a turning point for him.

“I am really very happy for him,” Sarri said. “It’s very important for him to score but also very important to play a good match.

“I think Alvaro can restart from this performance.”