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Chelsea did everything in their power to part ways with former manager Antonio Conte last summer. The Blues desperately wanted to sign Maurizio Sarri after he left Serie A’s Napoli after the Italian became the flavour of the month. Sarri started life well as Blues boss going undefeated in his first 12 Premier League matches. However, inconsistency has crept into the team and since November 11, the Blues have won just seven of 15 league games. Chelsea fans can check out the best sites for sports betting for the latest promos. Sarri has watched his team lose embarrassingly to Bournemouth 4-0 and Manchester City 6-0 since Christmas.
The FA Cup elimination at the hands of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United once again showed Sarri has no Plan B. For all of Chelsea’s interest and desire to bring the Italian to Stamford Bridge, it now seems the manager’s days are numbered. According to leading sportsbooks, Sarri’s odds to be sacked following Chelsea’s FA Cup loss have been slashed. Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is being linked with the job as Chelsea’s hiring and firing of football managers continues.
Have Chelsea improved under Sarri?
Chelsea looked like world-beaters in the early months of the season. However, a loss of form from key players and playing on four fronts has taken its toll on the Blues. Chelsea are now two places lower in the Premier League table compared to this time last term. Fans can use the Matchbook bonus code and see the latest FA Cup betting odds. Conte’s Blues finished fifth in the league and he was sacked for not achieving Champions League football.
Conte did lead the Blues to the FA Cup trophy before being sacked in the summer. Sarri still has the opportunity to bring silverware to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea will challenge Manchester City for the Carabao Cup at Wembley on February 24. There is the worry that Manchester City will blow Chelsea out and embarrass them once more.
Sarri on his way out
Following Chelsea’s loss to Manchester United, a number of former Chelsea players and pundits claimed the end is near for Sarri. Chris Sutton was one man who was vocal saying the “Italian job is over”. While Sarri had the talent to play Sarri-Ball at Napoli and to defeat teams without a Plan B, Chelsea are not as blessed.
The Blues have not sorted out their personnel issues. Forward Eden Hazard is still expected to create and score goals. He hasn’t had much help in recent times even with Argentine Gonzalo Higuain now at the club.
Chelsea paid £59 million for striker Alvaro Morata in 2017, expecting him to lead the team back to the Champions League. Morata had never been the sole striker a club depended on previously and had always played second fiddle to others at Real Madrid and Juventus. Football fans can view the Herald Scotland to see the history of one of the U.K.’s most legendary football clubs. His failures in front of goal cost Conte his job. Higuain is past his prime at 31-years old. Although he played well under Sarri previously at Napoli, it has been three and a half seasons since the Argentine worked with the manager. Sarri-Ball may not be working, but Chelsea’s board hasn’t helped with its recent track of player signings.
Sarri is the 15th manager to oversee the Blues since owner Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003. Although Sarri has hit a wall at Stamford Bridge, the club’s problems are more than just its manager.
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