Despite Cardiff Victory, Sarri SLAMS Chelsea players in after match interview
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…
‘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.
‘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.’
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.
‘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.’
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.
‘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.
‘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.’