By George Aluo
Win or lose against Arsenal in Baku on May 29 in the Europa Cup final, Chelsea boss, Maurizio Sarri, is not sure of retaining his job at the club whose owner, Roman Abramovich, is notorious when it comes to sacking managers.
But the coach is not hiding his desire to remain and has even literally opted to beg Abramovich not to do what he is well known for – sacking coaches, especially against the backdrop of the fact that he (Sarri) has delivered this term.
The coach, who spoke after Chelsea’s last EPL game against Leicester, said his desire is to remain at Stamford Bridge next term.
He said: “As you know very well, I love English football. I love the Premier League; it’s fantastic and the level is the best in the world, I think. The atmosphere in the stadiums is wonderful. I would like very much to stay here.”
While Sarri wants to stay, Abramovich, according to reports coming out of Italy, is already warming up to show him the exit door after the game against Arsenal.
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According to influential Italian sports tabloid, Gazzetta Dello Sport, Roman Ambramovich is ready to cut short the 60-year-old’s time at Stamford Bridge.
The report claims that Abramovich’s decision is not based on Chelsea’s achievements this season but centred around Sarri’s poor relationship with the club’s fans.
It would be noted that during several Chelsea matches this season, Sarri’s decisions, regarding substitutions were booed, while fans chanted ‘f*** Sarri-ball’ during the team’s 2-1 win away to Cardiff City on March 31.
Though, Sarri did not enjoy the support of fans, the coach, however, insists he has delivered as he finished third on the EPL log with a Champions League ticket in the kitty. He may also end up winning a trophy on May 29 in Baku.
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“The club asked me for the Champions League ticket, and we reached the target,” the Italian gaffer noted after the goalless draw against Leicester.
Sarri, who joined Chelsea from Napoli last term, has two years left on his contract.
Beyond the sentiment of fans, analysts also claim that Sarri is ‘not loved’ by Ambramovich and the Italian’s decision to openly criticise the club’s post-season friendly against New England Revolution in the United States mid last week did not go down well with Chelsea’s hierarchy.
Abramovich played an integral role in setting up the friendly with New England Revolution owner, Robert Kraft, with the proceeds of the match, going towards 15 organisations that tackle antisemitism.
Sarri was reported to have questioned the timing of the fixture, which took place last Wednesday at the Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. The coach said the game interrupted his side’s preparation for the all-important Europa League final against Arsenal.