Chelsea assistant coach Gianfranco Zola assessed the philosophy applied by Maurizio Sarri in the first year to compete in England was too ambitious. This was revealed by Zola ahead of the Chelsea versus Manchester United match in the last 16 of the FA Cup. This match will take place at home to Chelsea, Stamford Bridge Stadium, Monday (02/18/2019).
According to Zola, Sarri should have slightly changed the philosophy of play known as Sarri Ball. Tactic modification was highlighted by Zola about Sarri. “Sarri already has a strong philosophy to implement at Chelsea. Sarri wants Chelsea to control the game instead of by opponents at all times. It is very ambitious,” Zola was quoted from the club’s official website on Sunday (02/17/2019). “I consider it very ambitious, especially this is the English League. There have been two or three teams that have the standard of playing for more than three years,” Zola added.
In the last few games, Chelsea and Sarri’s philosophy have indeed been debated. Success unbeaten in 18 matches in the first half of the season, Chelsea struggled when entering the 2019 calendar. In the last four games in the Premier League, Chelsea only won once and lost the rest including when slaughtered by Manchester City 0-6 in Week 26 Even so, Zola hopes Sarri will still be given the opportunity to apply his playing philosophy.
According to Zola, Sarri Ball only takes time to be applied at Chelsea. “I know it’s ambitious, but ambition is also important in football. You sometimes have to believe what you are doing and be balanced with hardwork,” Zola said. “I think Sarri is always sure of what he is doing. It is very important. I believe we are on the right track,” the former Italian striker added.
The match against Man United is certainly the right time for Sarri to restore Chelsea’s confidence. Chelsea have good capital because they have just won 2-1 over Malmo FC in the Europa League’s first 32 first leg. On the other hand, Man United travel to City of London with a 0-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League last 16.
ASL
