Chelsea host Malmo at Stamford Bridge in the second leg of their Europa league knockout stage tie
The Blues bring with them an advantage into the second leg, courtesy of their 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture last week. Ross Barkley and Olivier Giroud score for the Blues in Sweden. And Chelsea will be fully expected to get the better of the Swedish side against tonight and proceed to the next round. Anything less than a victory tonight will be disastrous for Maurizio Sarri, who has been under tremendous pressure lately because of Chelsea’s poor results.
The Blues were humiliated 6-0 by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium some 10 days back. Before that, in their previous away game, Chelsea were thrashed by AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. Chelsea’s season, which began so wonderfully under Maurizio Sarri when they went 18 games unbeaten has really crumbled in the latter stages. At the moment, they are 6th in the Premier league standings and a top 4 finish is looking highly unlikely as both Manchester United and Arsenal are in really good form.
Maurizio Sarri has been the subject of severe and harsh criticism from fans and pundits alike. His tactics, which worked so well in Napoli do not seem to be having the same kind of impact in Chelsea. Moreover, the fact that he is playing players like N’Golo Kante out of position hasn’t gone well with the Chelsea faithful. Maurizio Sarri, while speaking about his tactics and system, said,“
“The system is a false problem. It’s very easy to change the fan’s opinions. We need to win three or four matches in a row. It’s the only solution. The fans are used to winning. There isn’t another way.
Of course right now it is very difficult to think that we are able to win three or four matches in a row. But in football, everything can change in one day.
First of all we need a good performance. A good result. Then, with more confidence, we can do everything.
I have to think that I will be the manager of Chelsea for a long time, otherwise I cannot work. I am not sure it will work, but I have to think this. I want to work with a long-term target.
We are trying to solve our problems. We are trying to talk with the players. We are trying to avoid mistakes.”
Author’s Take
Up next, the Blues face Manchester City in the finals of the Carabao Cup and revenge will certainly be on their minds. However, a similar result to that of last week’s on Sunday could very well be the final nail in the coffin as far as Maurizio Sarri’s time at Chelsea is concerned.
