The popular opinion is that Maurizio Sarri’s days are numbered. ‘Inconsistent’ and ‘boring’ are two words widely used by frustrated fans whilst describing Sarriball. However, on Sunday, Sarri showed a different side to his demeanour.
Maurizio Sarri Can Turn Things Around at Chelsea
Sarri-ball or Sorry-ball?
It’s become commonplace on social media that Chelsea fans have had enough of the Italian’s brand of football. Sarri-ball was welcomed by fans when the 60-year-old arrived to take over the hot-seat at SW6 last summer. Seven months on, Sarri-ball has become hated by many, with even its biggest advocates sitting firmly on the fence.
The much-maligned Blues boss has spoken time and again about the lack of application shown by his players with regards to his tactics. Jorginho is the midfield cog that is supposed to make everything happen. However, it simply isn’t working, with cries of a return to the centre of midfield for N’Golo Kante being a major gripe amongst fans of the West London club.
No Plan B is another topic of conversation down the Fulham Road. Time and again the Italian has stuck by his guns with a streak of stubbornness to his approach.
A Change For The Better
Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Wolves was a frustrating afternoon for those of a blue persuasion. The starting line-up left Chelsea fans in a state of deja vu; a line-up devoid of major changes to that they’ve seen week in week out in the Premier League.
However, as the game turned against them, Sarri, for the first time this season, made some positive changes. The introduction of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi gave fans a timely lift. With Willian replacing Jorginho shortly afterwards came a change of system.
Within five minutes, Loftus-Cheek had created two chances and had an effort on goal. Hudson-Odoi was, in all honesty, less effective, but did offer width – something sadly lacking for Chelsea this season.
In the end, it took a late Eden Hazard strike to rescue a point, but the fact Sarri made significant changes to his tactics is a huge plus for the Italian to prolong his stay in West London.
Lack of Goals
It’s Chelsea’s lack of a goal scorer that has cost them dearly this season. Gonzalo Higuain has only been at the club for a short time. The Argentine has shown flashes of what he can offer, but consistency is the key.
The midfield is also very short of goals. Long gone are the days of Frank Lampard arriving in the box and scoring 20+ goals per season, or Michael Essien smashing in a long-range screamer.
Patience is a Virtue
It’s difficult to have patience with Maurizio Sarri. However, the one thing that is obvious for all to see is that the players don’t fit his system. A fully fit Loftus-Cheek would make a huge impact, and the recent regular inclusion of Emerson and Andreas Christensen shows Sarri is looking more at the depth of the squad he has at his disposal.
Throughout the squad there are areas that need addressing for Maurizio Sarri to flourish at Stamford Bridge. No matter what you think of the 60-year-old, it’s the squad that needs changing, not necessarily the manager.
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