Former Chelsea ace Ashley Cole is of the opinion that Maurizio Sarri needs some time to settle down at Chelsea and effectively implement his tactic of “Sarri-ball”. The Italian gaffer has not been able to hold onto the strong start that he gave to his side in the Premier League after taking charge at Stamford Bridge this season.
Speaking on Monday Night Football on Sky Sports, the Derby County defender said, “I don’t think he’s under pressure just yet. He’s come into a team and tried to put his philosophy there. I think it is down to the players as well, they’ve got to react and understand how he wants them to play. I watched ‘Sarri-ball’ at Napoli when I was in Italy and the football they played from the back with the goalkeeper was amazing. Now, all the players have got to get on board with that.”
Cole added, “I think it boils down to confidence. The Napoli players knew how he wanted them to play, they had the confidence to play it out of the back and they went with the philosophy. With Chelsea, some of the players have to get with it sooner rather than later but he’s definitely a great manager.”
He concluded, “In terms of the players, if they win a few games then everything is rosy again. On recent results, top four wouldn’t be enough. Sarri needs to get a little bit of time. I think he can bring that exciting, Italian football to England with Chelsea but they have to be on board a little bit as well.”
SEE ALSO: Chelsea looking to sign €150 million rated midfielder
