Beleaguered Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri was back out on training pitch on Tuesday afternoon, less than 24 hours after his side were dumped out of the FA Cup.
The Italian, who is battling to save his job at Stamford Bridge, was pictured taking a session at the club’s Cobham base after it emerged that his players were left baffled by his tactics during Monday night’s defeat by Manchester United.
Sarri appeared to working with players who did not take part in the match, including Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Maurizio Sarri was back at training on Tuesday after seeing Chelsea knocked out of the FA Cup
The Chelsea boss took a session with players who were not involved on Monday evening
David Luiz (left) and Pedro were also pictured at Cobham after featuring against Man United
Olivier Giroud (left) and Davide Zappacosta take a breather during Tuesday’s training session
LAST SIX RESULTS
February 18: Man United H 0-2 (FA Cup)
February 14: Malmo A 2-0 (Europa League)
February 10: Man City A 0-6
February 2: Huddersfield H 5-0
January 30: Bournemouth A 0-4
January 27: Sheff Weds H 2-0 (FA Cup)
Big names such as David Luiz and Pedro, who started against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men, took part in a light session, while others including Ross Barkley and Jorginho were seen driving into the training ground.
Sarri was pictured talking with his staff – but not his players – after many of the squad were left exasperated by his tactics during the second half of the defeat by United.
Sarri’s job at Stamford Bridge is now hanging by a thread, with sources insisting it’s ‘when and not if’ he is given the boot.
Ethan Ampadu (left) and Callum Hudson-Odoi took part after being left out against United
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Rob Green and Willy Caballero (left to right) pictured during training
And the already significant scepticism from players towards Sarri’s footballing philosophy was enhanced during the fifth-round FA Cup defeat.
Already 2-0 down at half-time, Sarri’s refusal to make potentially game-changing alterations to his tactics infuriated a number of players.
Sarri made two like-for-like substitutions in bringing on Barkley for Mateo Kovacic and Willian for Pedro.
The decision to bring on right-back Davide Zappacosta in place of Cesar Azpilicueta in another like-for-like change caused further surprise among players – particularly given attacking players Hudson-Odoi and Olivier Giroud on the bench.
And Sarri’s unwavering dedication to his own brand of play – widely known as Sarriball – is emerging as a key issue for a number of players.
Chelsea players were left exasperated by Sarri’s second half tactics on Monday evening
Sarri’s refusal to make game-changing alterations to his tactics infuriated a number of players
The decision to bring on Davide Zappacosta for Cesar Azpilicueta caused surprise
It appears supporters share the players’ viewpoint; chants of ‘F*** Sarriball’ echoed around Stamford Bridge on Monday night – a clear message from fans that they want their manager to change his philosophy.
Sarri faces a crucial eight days that will likely determine his future.
Chelsea face Malmo in the Europa League on Thursday before facing Manchester City in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley on Sunday.
The Blues then face Tottenham in the Premier League next Wednesday.
Sarri insisted after the game that he is not concerned by the fans’ anger.
‘I am worried about the results. Not about the fans. I can understand the situation and our fans, because the result wasn’t really good.
‘We are out of the FA Cup, so I can understand our fans. But I am worried at the moment about our results.’
Sarri’s dedication to his style of play is emerging as a key issue for a number of players
Eden Hazard looks on as Chelsea crash out of the FA Cup during Monday night’s defeat
Sarri faces a crucial eight days in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup final this weekend
He continued: ‘It’s not my problem (if I am given more time). My problem is to start preparing the next game and to work with my players to try and improve in a few days, and find more determination, more aggression.
‘Am I worried about my job? No. I was really very worried when I was in League Two in Italy. Not now.
‘The players do not completely grasp my style of play at the moment. But I think the players are with me. Of course I am not sure, but I think so.
‘I think the situation with the players is really very good for the relationship, but the relationship is not so important.
‘It’s important to play, it’s important to get good results, but my relationship with my players is good at the moment.’
