Sarri believes in his style
Maurizio Sarri has suggested he may recommend Thibaut Courtois is sold to Real Madrid if the goalkeeper reiterates in a face-to-face meeting with the head coach that he wants to leave Chelsea.
Courtois and Eden Hazard return from their summer break today, when Sarri will speak to them about their futures. Both players have indicated a desire to leave Stamford Bridge, but Real have so far made a bid only for Courtois and Chelsea have no plans to sell Hazard, who they value in excess of £200 million.
Chelsea had been willing to cash in on Courtois on the proviso they could sign a replacement but, after seeing Alisson Becker join Liverpool, have so far been unable to secure a new No 1.
That has sparked suggestions Chelsea may keep Courtois for the final year of his contract against his will, but Sarri has hinted he would rather allow the Belgian to leave.
Ahead of Courtois’s meeting with Sarri, the 26-year-old’s agent Christophe Henrotay said: “I have been reading everywhere that Chelsea are saying it is up to Thibaut, but he has made it clear to the club the best option for him is to move to Madrid.”
Responding to those comments -after Chelsea’s Community Shield defeat, Sarri said: “I have no reaction on the agent. I’m not interested in the agent. I want to hear Courtois. If Courtois tomorrow says the same, I have to speak with my club, of course, because I only want players with a very high level of motivation — but I have nothing to respond to the agent.”
Sarri did, however, hint that Hazard would stay by telling television reporters: “I talked to them [Hazard and Courtois] two days ago, so I know what they will say to me tomorrow. I’m ready. But I think more good than bad.”
Courtois was asked in Belgium yesterday about his future, but did not give much away by saying: “I will not comment on that now. It is delicate. We shall see. I cannot say much, but I’m pretty calm. You can make yourself nervous, but that will not help. It is important to stay cool and prepare yourself for the new season.”