OFFICIAL: Sarri unveiled as new Chelsea manager

Sarri, who was previously employed by Napoli, has impressed in recent years in the Serie A. The 59-year-old led his Napoli side to two second-place finishes during his three-year-reign, and he came close to ending Juventus' league dominance last season, recording a league points record for a runner-up.

The Italian coach, who plays an expansive brand of football, has signed a three-year contract at Chelsea, and will get to work immediately as the club look to bounce back from a disappointing season. 

The 'Blues', who won the Premier League in the 2016/17 season in Antonio Conte's first term in charge, finished outside of the top-four the following season, ultimately leading to Conte's dismissal on Friday. 

 

July 13, 2018

The Conte-out Sarri-in move has been expected for some while now, after visible friction between the club and the manager for the majority of the season. However, negotiations over a £9million compensation package dragged on, and Sarri will now have to make up for lost time, with just 28 days to go before the opening game of the Premier League season.

Sarri is eager to get stuck in. "I look forward to starting work and meeting the players on Monday," he said, in a statement on the club website."Ahead of travelling to Australia, where I will be able to get to know the squad and begin our match action."

"I hope we can provide some entertaining football for our fans, and that we will be competing for trophies at the end of the season, which is what this club deserves."

 

July 14, 2018

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia praised Sarri's philosophy and experience. "We are delighted to welcome Maurizio and are looking forward to him bringing his football philosophy to Chelsea," she said.

"Maurizio’s Napoli side played some of the most exciting football in Europe, impressing with their attacking approach and dynamism, and his coaching methods significantly improved the players at his disposal."

"He has plenty of experience in Serie A and the Champions League and we know he is relishing the chance to work in the Premier League."