It was previously claimed that the Italian would be sacked straightway after defeat at Goodison Park, during the International break, but that halted once the club registered successive wins over Cardiff City and Brighton.
However, it doesn’t change the whole dilemma occurring in the blue’s managerial bench proven by the fact that the fans are not behind the manager anymore. Shouts of ‘we want Sarri out’ from travelling fans at Cardiff filled the atmosphere while their team was trailing by 1-0 until 84th minute, when a controversial Cesar Azpilicueta equaliser and a late heads up from Ruben Loftus Cheek made the day for them. No such dramas were involved in their home win against Brighton but Chelsea’s distorted away form is causing their season’s objective to fail. From being a title contender in the first phase of the season they are now fidgeting for a place in top four.
Actually, the form of other two titans in the race namely Manchester United and Spurs are keeping the blues in the race otherwise they would have had a mammoth task to complete in front of them. Ole Gunner Solksjaer’s Red Devil is finally feeling the pressure and their 100% positive football has taken a break while Tottenham are once again lapsing concentration at the crucial stage. Although they have a tough round of fixtures in the league added by European venues to play in between, nothing is taken for granted in this race. Moreover, Unai Amery’s Arsenal are proving the real deal to grab their place for Champions league football finally, after two year absence, with some quality football in the menu created by the superb striking force of Aubameyang and Lacazette.
So, if Sarri wants to save his job and really construct his first decisive season then he must aim for winning the Europa league, which provides a direct ticket to the group stages of the Champions league. Maurizio’s job over here is entitled to facilitate the club’s old glory and take them back to European standard but now on a consistent basis. Roman Abrahimovic is fuming at the club’s up and down chapter season after season and is insisting for a more stable point of view this time out. With the top four clinching place heating up and fixture schedule not showing any mercy, Sarri’s primary target would be securing Europa league title more of like which Mourinho did during his first season at Manchester United. Infact, Chelsea have lot to win for in this competition which gave them cushion back in 2013.
Whatever the situation may turn out to be in the last few weeks of the season, Chelsea must focus on the Europa league to meet their target. And they have good reasons to win.
Satisfying home form :
No matter how much Chelsea suffer from away trips, the blues have no distraction in playing at home. This is a major boost for them because on European stage they would capitalize on every opportunity in front of their support, provided by the brilliance of Hazard or Hudson Odoi (as he’s mostly used in cup games).
Also, they had been scoring for fun in away trips with Giroud realizing the competition a perfect place to demonstrate his class. He currently sits on top of goal scoring chart with 9 goals and will score more. Thus, Chelsea will slew their misfortunes using their all firing attacking front.
Sarri’s tactics is in play :
Fans will be relieved to hear that Sarri’s never changing tactics has gone unharmed in Europa league and they are able to control each group stage games or the last 32 & 16 stage affairs with Malmo & Dynamo Kyiv respectively. It also means Jorginho is freed from marking congestion and passing area blocks so he can play his game better.This reflects the stylish and quality football the blues are able to perform on this stage. Like a predominant predator, the side from London has finally got a suitable environment to thrive.
Easier opponents :
The most relaxing fact is that, unlike Premier league, Chelsea will not face any speedy opponents in this crucial stages provided that their North London rivals don’t come in their way soon. Except Arsenal, Chelsea shouldn’t get any fiery response from the rest of the lot to produce a barrier in their sensational display.
The opponents are tolerable because it suits the Blue’s game-play and those less cunning attitude may help them put up a great run and book up a place in the European club football’s greatest competition.