Maurizio Sarri has his hands full as he looks to lead Chelsea back to Premier League glory

Sport360 staff 15:28 20/07/2018
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  • Maurizio Sarri has plenty of work to do to restore Chelsea to glory.
    Maurizio Sarri clearly relishes a challenge, as that is exactly what he faces at Chelsea.
    Crises are regular features of life at Cobham and Stamford Bridge, but the 59-year-old former Napoli boss has walked into the most difficult period of Roman Abramovich’s ownership of the Blues.
    For Chelsea, Abramovich – owner since 2003 – and now Sarri, the challenges are numerous.
    There is the Russian billionaire’s visa issues with the UK authorities; the decision to indefinitely postpone plans to rebuild Stamford Bridge in a project which would have cost over £1billion; and, the on-field competition from Manchester, London and Liverpool.
    The Blues even struggled to deliver the fatal blow with Abramovich’s oft-wielded axe this summer, with Antonio Conte belatedly sacked on July 13 – 55 days after winning the FA Cup in his final match in charge and having started pre-season training.
    Conte’s demands and moaning cost him his job, just a year after signing an improved contract in the wake of the Premier League title triumph.
    Sarri, appointed a day after Conte’s departure was announced, will have to be a diplomat with both the Chelsea board and players uneasy at lurching from one mess to another.
    Playmaker Eden Hazard has for some time been pondering extending the contract which runs until 2020.
    After finishing third at the World Cup with Belgium, playing a leading role as captain, the 27-year-old hinted at his desire to join Real Madrid – a team seeking to rebuild after selling Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Thibaut Courtois‘ future is also in doubt. The goalkeeper – Golden Glove winner at Russia 2018 – has just a year to run on his deal and has long been linked with a return to Madrid.
    He spent three years with Atletico on loan from Chelsea. His children are in the Spanish capital too.
    Chelsea may cash in on both players, but with the transfer window for Premier League clubs closing on August 9 – prior to the rest of Europe – the onus will be on early decisions and early deals.
    The Blues have been circumspect in recent transfer windows, often making late moves. There is no time for dilly dallying now.
    Should Hazard and/or Courtois depart, the need for high-quality replacements is obvious.
    Winning the FA Cup could end up being Hazard's last act with Chelsea.

    Winning the FA Cup could end up being Hazard’s last act with Chelsea.

    Hazard has carried Chelsea at times in recent seasons; his stardust is not easily replaced.
    There may be a high turnover of personnel, but do Chelsea and Abramovich have the appetite, or the means, to spend?
    Sarri has shown his readiness to blend journeymen and youth in the past.
    He may be more willing than previous Chelsea bosses to promote the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek to the first XI.
    Perhaps the personnel changes will come from within. Maybe Tomas Kalas, Kurt Zouma, Michy Batshuayi and Marco van Ginkel will be among those finally given a chance to impress in the first-team squad.
    Italy midfielder Jorginho has already signed for the Blues, following Sarri from Napoli. What does that mean for England international Danny Drinkwater, who endured a miserable first season following his move from Leicester?
    Jorginho has arrived from Napoli along with Sarri.

    Jorginho has arrived from Napoli along with Sarri.

    Willian cut a forlorn figure at times last term. Maybe that was frustration with Conte, but the Brazilian has long been linked with being reunited with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United. Barcelona are rumoured to be interested too.
    And World Cup winner N’Golo Kante continues to attract admirers at such a rate that Chelsea may have a decision to make about the France midfielder as well.
    Whether Chelsea stick or twist regarding record signing Alvaro Morata will be intriguing. The £58million signing from Real Madrid has been linked with a move after a mixed first season at Stamford Bridge.
    The Blues have the challenge of playing in the Europa League on Thursdays. How will that impact on their domestic duties?
    Chelsea are already playing catch-up after finishing fifth, 30 points behind runaway champions Manchester City last term.
    Sarri needs to get to work quickly – and have the support of the club and the players. Otherwise, the Blues risk falling further off the pace.
    And speculation that the Italian will be discarded will begin. For that is the way of life at Chelsea.

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