Daily Mail

SARRI ASKS TERRY BACK... AS COACH

- By MATT BARLOW @Matt_Barlow_DM

MAuRIzIo Sarri has issued an open invitation for John Terry to join his coaching staff — but said the former Chelsea and England captain has told him his intention is to play on for at least one more year.

Sarri has no interest in adding the 37-year-old centre half to his playing squad because it will limit the chances for young players such as teenager Ethan Ampadu.

Terry has been a free agent since leaving Aston Villa at the end of his contract in June. He has been using Chelsea’s training ground near his home in Surrey to keep in shape and has spoken to the new manager. A return to Villa is his most likely option with manager Steve Bruce keen.

Terry has rejected a move to Spartak Moscow, and Frank Lampard confirmed there would be no reunion at Derby with his friend and former team-mate.

‘The last time I spoke with him, about a week ago, he told me that he wants to play another season,’ said Sarri yesterday. ‘I think it is right that he tries to play, but if he wants to help us, I’m really very happy. It is up to him.

‘If John prefers to start with the young players, it’s right to start with the young players. If John wants to work with my staff, it’s right that he works with my staff.

‘Chelsea is his home. Here, he’s a point of reference. His presence alone would be very important for everybody.’ Terry has made no secret of his ambition to pursue a coaching career when he eventually retires. In an exclusive interview with

Sportsmail, last week, he revealed how he kept detailed notes from the coaching sessions during his years at Chelsea, including two spells under Jose Mourinho.

If Terry were to take a coaching role at Chelsea, he would be expected to follow a usual pathway starting in the academy or the loan squad. But Sarri ruled out the notion of Terry returning to the Bridge as a player.

He said. ‘We want to give space to the young players. We have very strong young players; Ruben Loftus-Cheek, (Callum) Hudsonodoi, Ampadu. They are the future.’

Loftus-Cheek is a doubt to face Cardiff today after returning from England duty with an injury.

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock wants Chelsea to loan him Wales internatio­nal Ampadu, who was 18 yesterday.

‘I could help him,’ said Warnock. ‘These kids need to be playing. If you’re not going to play him then give him games on loan.’

 ?? GETTY IMAGES ?? One more year: John Terry may play on at Aston Villa
GETTY IMAGES One more year: John Terry may play on at Aston Villa
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