sportskeeda
MAURIZIO SARRI finds it challenging to overcome two vices: smoking and his enthusiasm for English football.
The experienced Italian manager has deep regrets about his decision to leave Chelsea after just one season and is keen to correct that choice.
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Despite winning the Europa League title, securing a top-four finish, and reaching a Wembley final, Sarri, a habitual smoker, ended up feeling overwhelmed and returned home.
The breakdown in relations between former owner Roman Abramovich and the UK government led to his departure just when he was meant to negotiate a new contract.
Sarri continues to smoke as he talks exclusively to SunSport about his unfulfilled ambitions in the Premier League. More importantly, he discusses whether he would quit smoking given that stadiums in England are non-smoking.
In response, he simply said, “No.”
He went on to explain in detail why he believed leaving Chelsea was necessary, despite having won a European trophy in his only season.
The revocation of Abramovich’s UK visa complicated the situation. Technical director Michael Emenalo had departed the club a year before Sarri arrived.
Transfer expert Marina Granovskaia was overwhelmed with various roles, adding to Sarri’s discomfort.
He noted: “I could have stayed at Chelsea.
“I wanted to go back to Italy due to the complications at Chelsea. During that time, Abramovich couldn’t come to England; I only saw him at matches outside the country. We spoke on the phone but rarely had meaningful conversations.
“My only contact was Marina. There was no sporting director, creating a lack of clarity. Therefore, I wanted to return, which I now recognize as a mistake.
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“Staying would have been a better choice. I was somewhat anxious about the internal dynamics at Chelsea, which felt precarious.
“I asked Marina if I could go back to Italy, and she sought compensation from Juventus for my release.
“They suggested that staying was still an option. Ultimately, my time at Chelsea was fruitful, with positive results.
“We finished third in the Premier League, reached the Carabao Cup final, and won the Europa League. There were many great matches along the way.
“Admittedly, we also faced some significant setbacks, such as against Manchester City and Bournemouth.
“Now I’m ready to start fresh. While I’m uncertain about my next move, my team and I are prepared.”
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Sarri encountered a tough task in convincing Chelsea fans that his possession-based style, termed ‘Sarriball’, was fitting for the fast-paced Premier League.
His team endured a humiliating 6-0 loss to Manchester City and a 4-0 defeat to struggling Bournemouth during his lone season at the helm. Yet, the ultimate results were impressive.
After leaving Chelsea, Sarri went on to secure the Serie A title with Juventus the following year and achieved a notable second place with Lazio in 2023.
He reflected: “I coached at the highest echelons. Winning the Scudetto with Juve is significant, but it doesn’t compare to the Premier League.
“England stands as the zenith for players, clubs, and fans. Thus, I would love to return.
“Given the chance, I believe I could attain even greater success as a coach at a level akin to Chelsea.
“If Chelsea managed to finish in the top four, it suggests my approach was suitable. The mishaps against Manchester and Bournemouth probably shaped the fans’ view of my time there. However, I see that as a fleeting sentiment, not something enduring.”
Sarri on his favorite Chelsea player
DURING his time at Chelsea, MAURIZIO SARRI had a wide array of talent at his disposal.
He worked with players like Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cesc Fabregas, Olivier Giroud, N’Golo Kante, and Jorginho.
However, he holds a unique admiration for the seemingly unlikely Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who came close to stardom with The Blues but currently plays for AC Milan in Italy.
Sarri remarked: “I appreciated all of them; Luiz, Rudiger, Azpi. Nevertheless, Loftus was especially crucial during my tenure. Very, very important. I believe he had the potential to reach greater heights.
“Injuries were a massive setback for him, resulting in an 11 to 12-month absence from action.
“Regaining his former level took more time. That’s a major obstacle for anyone, but I trust he will shine in due time.”
The gifted midfielder Loftus-Cheek rose through Chelsea’s ranks, amassing over 150 Premier League appearances across nine years.
However, ongoing issues with his Achilles tendon, particularly after he ruptured it during a Holocaust Memorial match for Chelsea in Boston, impeded his progression.
Sarri expressed: “I hope he has a bright future ahead of him. He deserves it. The Achilles injury was a tremendous trial.”
Sarri believes current Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who is also Italian, has finally stabilized the club after tumultuous years both on and off the pitch, during which they had 43 registered first-team players at one point.
Sarri said: “The season commenced with a challenging setup due to the surplus of players, but he’s undoubtedly doing well.
“It feels as if Chelsea is evolving back into a cohesive team rather than just a collection of individuals. I see a successful future ahead for Chelsea.
“Maresca is an Italian manager but has a more global outlook. His coaching tenure in Italy is relatively brief, and he has spent more time abroad than in Italy.
“He’s a young coach. While we must be patient, things are positively advancing at Chelsea. He has the potential to emerge as one of Europe’s top managers.”
Currently, two managers in the Premier League have already been dismissed this season – Erik ten Hag at Manchester United and Steve Cooper from Leicester.
As a result, clubs in the top tier are beginning to feel the pressure.
Julen Lopetegui at West Ham and Russell Martin at Southampton must surely be on high alert.
At Chelsea, Sarri would frequently utilize a terrace next to his first-floor office at the training facility for his smoking.
His only requirements for any new club are outdoor space and potential.
Sarri stated: “It’s essential to extract 101 percent from your team. This outweighs the value of winning a cup, trophy, or the Premier League.
“Achieving 101 percent potential from the team is more fulfilling than merely securing a win. Real Madrid often triumphs with teams working at 98 percent. Yet the true success lies in unlocking 101 percent of that potential.
“I chose to leave Chelsea, but it was due to specific circumstances, not because of my feelings for England.
“I yearn to coach once more.”
