Sarri Next at Chelsea?
Maurizio Sarri has enjoyed some great times as manager of Napoli but has left the club this summer following a second place finish in Serie A.
It was the second time the Italian guided Napoli to second place in Serie A behind Juventus and it looked at one stage as though he would take the club to their first league title since 1989/90. However, following a thrilling three seasons at the San Paolo stadium, rumours began to circulate this season would be his last.
The rumours were true and while technically Sarri was dismissed from his role at Napoli, it appears the decision was reached amicably between himself and the president of the club, Aurelio De Laurentiis.
Glowing Words
Speaking following his departure, Laurentiis said, “I would like to thank Maurizio Sarri for his precious dedication to Calcio Napoli, which has made it possible to give prestige and emotions to the city and to the blue fans all over the world, creating a model of play admired everywhere and by anyone.”
Despite his warm words, Napoli did not hesitate to find a replacement and former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager, Carlo Ancelotti has been appointed the new manager of Napoli. Ancelotti won the Premier League title and FA Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge and Sarri could become the next Italian to take charge at Chelsea.
Rumours have been circulating about the future of Antonio Conte and winning the FA Cup last weekend has done nothing to dampen the expectation that Conte is going to leave the club this summer.
Sarri has been installed as the heavy favourite with the bookmakers to become the next manager of Chelsea. If reports in Telegraph Sport are to be believed, Sarri is already making strides to place himself at the front of the queue should Conte leave Chelsea by employing an English-based intermediary to try to convince the Stamford Bridge club he is the right candidate.
Interest in Sarri
However, if Chelsea want their man, they may have to act fast as Zenit St Petersburg have reportedly already offered Sarri a bumper deal to take over the Russian club next season. However, the Italian may prefer to show off his talents in the Premier League and could wait to see if an offer from Chelsea materialises.
While Sarri has earned many plaudits for his attacking style of play, he has also been in the news for the wrong reasons. He was fined 20,000 Euro in 2016 having been accused of being a homophobe by then Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini. This season, Sarri had to apologise for sexist remarks he made to a female reporter and this type of behaviour would not go down well in the Premier League next season.
Former Barcelona manager, Luis Enrique has also been linked with the job at Stamford Bridge but Sarri’s brand of football is something which makes him a leading contender to be in the Chelsea dugout next season.