Sarri slams Chelsea stars even after Cardiff Victory

Despite Cardiff Victory, Sarri SLAMS Chelsea players in after match interview

Despite Cardiff Victory, Sarri SLAMS Chelsea players in after match interview (read full details)

Maurizio Sarri admitted there was good fortune involved in the way Chelsea turned defeat into victory in the final 10 minutes of the game against Cardiff. When Sarri was asked about Chelsea fans at the game voicing their unhappiness during it, The Italian replied ‘I have been on the pitch for the last 45 years so I know very well the reaction of the fans. I understand very well because I was really disappointed with my players.

After a goalless first half, the Blues were behind early in the second half in Wales but pulled it around with Cesar Azpilicueta’s 84th-minute equaliser and then a second header, from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, with adding time just beginning…

Visitors Chelsea equalised on 84 minutes when Spanish defender and captain Azpilicueta scored his first goal of the season

‘We were lucky,’ admitted Sarri soon after the final whistle,’ because in the first half we didn’t play very well. We conceded a goal similar to the one at Everton but today we were able to react better. We were lucky for the timing, we were lucky for our first goal, but in the end I think we deserved to win.

Chelsea completed a dramatic turnaround at the death when substitute midfielder Loftus-Cheek nodded in at the far post


‘Today we started very badly but in the end,n we won, probably with a bit of luck but for sure there was a bit of bad luck at Everton.’

Victor Camarasa scored his fifth goal of the season to put Cardiff ahead in the first minute of the second half on Sunday

Sarri could understand the anger felt by his opposite number Neil Warnock with some of the decisions in the game, although the Chelsea boss had yet to see any replays of Azpilicueta’s goal with its controversial onside call.

Azpilicueta was clearly offside when Marcos Alonso headed the ball to him from a corner but the flag was not raised

‘Neil told me he was sure it was offside by two yards. He told me about the referee’s decision but I can understand the situation, they are fighting against relegation, today was very important for them and they were winning 10 minutes form the end, so I understand.’

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock (left) and Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri greeted each other warmly ahead of Sunday's match

He also spoke about his team selection today and the decision not to start with Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante.
‘I cannot think Kante and Hazard can play 70 matches in a season. Kante has played 50 or 51 games, Hazard 48 plus today. They played two games for their national teams with Hazard playing 187 minutes and Kante 175 minutes.

Chelsea's Gonzalo Higuain (right) controlled the ball under pressure from Cardiff defender Sean Morrison during the first half

‘In every season there is a moment when you have to rest. In the end we were lucky because we won three points and Hazard played 35 minutes and Kante no minutes. It is important for us to have them in good condition for the last seven matches of the Premier League. I know they are very important players but you have to choose the right moment.’

Sarri was asked about Chelsea fans at the game voicing their unhappiness during it…
‘I have been on the pitch for the last 45 years so I know very well the reaction of the fans. I understand very well because I was really disappointed with my players. Probably it was better to wait for the end of the game but for me it is not a big problem. This season I am getting used to this unfortunately and I have to work to change their opinion.

An emotional Warnock exchanged words with Chelsea centre back David Luiz after the final whistle on Sunday afternoon

‘The way to do it is to win matches. If you do that the past will be forgotten. Of course we need to improve and play better but sometimes in a season we need to win matches like this.’

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *