Maurizio Sarri has vowed not to bend to player power at Chelsea and has no problems pointing the finger of blame at members of his squad who don't step up.
Chelsea lost 2-0 to London rivals Arsenal on Saturday, a result which saw the Gunners and Manchester United move just three points behind them in the Premier League.
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Sarri has come out fighting, saying he will stick with his style of play and isn't scared of player power.
“I don't know. It is my character” Sarri told reporters at the Emirates Stadium.
“I don't think it is risky. These guys have a sensible head on their shoulders, so I don't think I am risking anything.
“I said the players are difficult to motivate but by the same token, there are players who are sensible, who will listen and won't take it the wrong way. There might be a slight risk, but I don't think there is. This is my character – I am a straight-talker.
“This is how I speak. Yes, sometimes when you speak in that way it might cause some upset or some conflict, but it doesn't cause any lingering bitterness. I think we probably do.
“I think we might even have someone who is capable of embodying the characteristics I have talked about. Of course, there is always a danger a leader emerges who is a bad leader – who doesn't necessarily do the kind of things that I want the team to do.
“Nevertheless I do think we need to change the mentality and I do think within the group of players we do have that ability and the characteristics to change.”
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Despite Chelsea's struggles in recent months, Sarri does not believe it is to do with his style of play, often referred to as ‘Sarrismo‘, and insists his side will be sticking to their guns.
“I am a good teacher of this football. I don't think it would be a good idea if I try to teach my players a different type of football,” Sarri added.
“There will be some changes perhaps but there will be no massive upheaval.”
“When I came here certainly I realised the group had a huge amount of potential. There is no doubt about that. I don't think it would be correct for me to talk about being disappointed with what I found when I arrived.”
Sarri then went on to back the potential of his squad, believing he has more than enough talent at his disposal to create success at Stamford Bridge.
“When I arrived, of course, I knew the team was coming off the back of a pretty disappointing season,” the Italian said.
“Over the last couple of years, they have a lost some really important points of reference for the club. But certainly, the team has a lot of potentials.”
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Chelsea will play Tottenham in the League Cup semi-final second leg on Thursday.
Is Sarri already under pressure?
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
