Sarri wants Chelsea to play with free minds

Maurizio Sarri has asked his Chelsea team to play with “free minds” ahead of the final tomorrow.

“In the match [against Malmo], for 30 minutes, I saw a team very worried. Without confidence,” he said, previewing the Carabao Cup final. “So I don’t want to press them [on Friday]. I want their minds really very free.”

“We will prepare the match [against City] only on Saturday, I think. I didn’t like our minds in the first 30 minutes [against Malmo]. I want to see something more free. So we will prepare the match in 60 minutes, no more.”

He also stressed the importance of winning a trophy. “Of course, the Europa League for us is a very important competition. If we are able to win it, we have a spot in the Champions League. I am not happy with elimination in the FA Cup, of course. But, on the other hand, I have to say it’s better for us because we have to play fewer matches.”

“(In the League Cup) we played at Liverpool, and had two games against Tottenham. (It is) important to win the final. Otherwise you are second. I think it’s very important for us because we have to find confidence.”

SEE MORE: Paul Merson picks three players Chelsea can rely on during transfer ban