Blues ready to start Sarri era

– A frantic 48 hours in the transfer market provided Chelsea with a timely lift after last weekend’s Community Shield defeat to Manchester City.

The 2-0 loss left new Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri (above) to rue the difference between the two teams, with Pep Guardiola’s champions looking sharper and fitter than the Italian’s side.

Sarri has been in his post for less than four weeks and the last thing he needed was to go into the first game of the new season at Huddersfield today against the backdrop of a protracted standoff between the club and keeper Thibaut Courtois.

Courtois’ decision to stay away from the club this week in a bid to force a move to Real Madrid could have had a negative impact at Stamford Bridge.

But Chelsea moved quickly to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao for £71.6 million – a world record for a keeper – on a seven-year contract, triggering Courtois’ exit to Real.

As part of the deal for the Belgian, Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic moved in the opposite direction on a season-long loan.

For a club desperate to progress after a fractious campaign that was marred by a rift between coach Antonio Conte and the club and ended with a disappointing fifth-placed finish, it was good business all round.

Now, Sarri must do all he can to prevent Eden Hazard following his international team-mate to Madrid, although the current signs are the Belgium star has been convinced to stay for now.

The Wembley clash against City confirmed there is plenty of work to do and it may be some time before Sarri finally settles on his two central defenders.

David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger appear to be his first choice right now, but Luiz in particular looked shaky against City.

And in midfield, Kovacic is likely to join Jorginho and N’Golo Kante to strengthen an area that was overrun by the champions.

This weekend, though, the main focus will be on Arrizabalaga if, as expected, the 23-year-old plays his first game in England.

“This is a great challenge for me and it means a lot for my career and also in my personal life,” he said. – AFP

This is a great challenge. it means a lot for my career and personal life. Kepa Arrizabalaga Chelsea