Maurizio Sarri: Chelsea manager says winning is 'only solution'

Published on: 20 February 2019

Maurizio Sarri joined Chelsea from Napoli in July

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri said winning matches is the "only solution" as he faced questions about his future.

The Blues were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United on Monday and have dropped to sixth in the league after three straight away defeats.

After Thursday's Europa League second leg against Malmo, they face Manchester City in Sunday's Carabao Cup final.

"I have to think that I will be the manager of Chelsea for a long time, otherwise I cannot work," said Sarri.

On Monday, BBC Sport reported Sarri would be in charge for the Malmo game and that recent results have caused disappointment within the club.

The 60-year-old Italian said he has not spoken to club owner Roman Abramovich or director of football Marina Granovskaia this week.

"We need to win three, four matches in a row. It's the only solution," said Sarri.

"I can understand very well the frustration of our fans because they are used to winning. Now we are in trouble, so I can understand very well.

"There isn't another way. We can only have good performances and results."

    'Inflexible, stubborn and infuriating' - why end is near for Sarri at Chelsea Sarri 'done' after FA Cup exit - Chris Sutton

Sarri arrived at Stamford Bridge from Napoli in July and started his Premier League career with a 12-game unbeaten streak.

However, his side have since lost six league matches, including three of their past four.

His 4-3-3 system and possession-based style known as 'Sarri-ball' has been criticised and midfielder N'Golo Kante has been shifted out of his preferred position to fit in £50m signing Jorginho.

Fans booed the Italian's substitutions during the 2-0 defeat by United.

"The system is a false problem," Sarri said on Wednesday. "I know very well that when we lose I have to put a striker on the pitch. When we win I have to put a defender on the pitch.

"But I want to see football in another way."

Sarri says Chelsea's congested fixture calendar means there is "no time on the pitch" to solve their problems.

Their next Premier League match is against Tottenham on 27 February, three days after the cup final.

"It's not easy because we have to play every three days," added Sarri.

Source: bbc.com

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