Sarri ‘must be given more time’ at Chelsea by Roman Abramovich, says Del Piero
Legendary Italy striker backs his fellow countryman who could be sacked if the Blues exit three cups in the next seven days
ITALIAN football legend Alessandro del Piero has told Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich: You must give Maurizio Sarri more time.
The Italian could be sacked at Stamford Bridge if they exit three cup competitions within the space of the next seven days.
Chelsea face Manchester United tonight in the FA Cup fifth round, Malmo at home on Thursday in the Europa League Last 32 second leg, and then take on Man City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
What had started out as a promising tenure in West London could end like most Chelsea bosses experience after one or two seasons – with their P45.
Del Piero, a 2006 World Cup winner with Italy, believes his fellow countryman should be allowed to develop the team at his own pace.
The 44-year-old former Juventus striker said: “Sarri is a great coach because his teams play so good.
“But in order to reach that level you need time. You need good understanding between coach, players, and club. It is teamwork.
“From my point of view I suggest, of course, to give him time.
“I’m not there day-by-day so maybe there is some stuff they need to change daily, because I know how usually he works. It is pretty tough. It is time on the field and strict.
“Maybe sometimes with the mentality you need to adjust, find another way to do things.
“But Chelsea showed already great games and performances. The last month was up and down, it wasn’t the best, definitely. But they have organisation, they have players to re-start winning every game.”
Del Piero suggested Sarri only had influence or responsibility over two key signings – Jorginho (£57.4m) from former club Napoli and Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain on loan from Juventus.
The Laureus Academy ambassador added: “When you have a coach that has a clear idea and schematics and understanding of the game in one way specifically, it is definitely easier if he has his own players to show what he wants.
“And to show the game he wants to show. This is the answer at the end of the day.
“He has Higuain and Jorginho. But that’s it. No more. It is not a lot. Some coaches they bought five, six, seven players.”
Alessandro del Piero was speaking at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Monaco. To find out more, go to www.laureus.com
