Sarriball was turned into sorryball on Sunday as Chelsea suffered another humiliating defeat, and time might be running out for Maurizio Sarri as he looks to salvage his career at Stamford Bridge.
Sarri came into the Premier League with a reputation of playing high-pressing, quick-passing, entertaining football. But what we have seen at Chelsea has been slow, labored and dull, with sideways passing that has bored fans to death.
Chelsea’s last goal away from home came all the way back in December against Crystal Palace. Since then they have been beaten by Tottenham, Arsenal, Bournemouth and Manchester City, with the scoreline getting worse with each passing game. The defeat to Manchester City was their worst in 28 years, and questions are already being raised about the Italian tactician’s future.
The Blues look lifeless, abject and uninspiring on the pitch. There seems to be no fight, desire or commitment in this team. And you have to wonder whether the players are playing for the manager. We are in an era where player power is at an all time high, something Chelsea players know more than almost any other club. The likes of Luiz Felipe Scolari, Andre Villas-Boas, Jose Mourinho and most recently Antonio Conte all suffered the same fate after the Chelsea players decided that they simply did not want to play for them. And unless he changes things quickly, Sarri might be out of a job soon.
Sarri hasn’t helped himself with the way he has presented himself this season. His constant questioning of his players, his rigidity both in tactics and team selections and his lack of plan B have seriously hurt the club this season.
Defeat to Manchester City saw Chelsea drop down to sixth place in the Premier League, leaving them in real danger of missing out on Champions League football for the third time in four years. With star player Eden Hazard and star talent Callum Hudson-Odoi both looking to leave, the situation at Chelsea is quite precarious at the moment.
Of course, its not all Sarri’s fault. Like at Manchester United earlier this season, the Chelsea players have at times played like amateurs. But perhaps the players are looking at how well the change has worked out over at Old Trafford, and want the manager’s head themselves.
History shows that Chelsea are a sack happy club, and Sarri might be the about to fall foul of Roman Abramovich’s impatience and desire for immediate success. Winning the FA Cup and finishing fifth wasn’t enough for Antonio Conte last season, and unless Sarri can turn things around very quickly, he will likely get a very familiar verdict to those before him.