SARRI FEARS SACK
He admits job at risk as Chelsea capitulate 6-0 at City
MAURIZIO SARRI was left clinging to his job last night after Chelsea’s embarrassing 6-0 defeat at Manchester City.
The Italian admitted he was under threat after Chelsea crashed to their biggest defeat in 28 years against the rampant Premier League champions.
‘You have to ask the club,’ Sarri said amid growing calls for his removal after a fourth defeat in eight games. ‘I’m worried about my team. I’m worried about the performance. My job is always at risk.’
Sarri was asked if he was expecting a call from owner Roman Abramovich, but the answer pointed towards the power structure at Chelsea. ‘If the president calls, I’ll be happy, seeing as I never hear from him,’ he said. ‘I don’t know what to expect. I didn’t see my football. At the beginning of the season it worked. Now we need to understand the reasons why it isn’t working. It is not easy.
‘Matches like this can leave a mark. It won’t be easy to get back on our feet after this.’
A horror day was compounded when Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger confronted an abusive fan in the away end.
City also apologised to Chelsea after the Stamford Bridge anthem One Step
Beyond by Madness briefly blared out following the final whistle. City officials saw that as goading Sarri’s side and demanded the tune be cut short.
Pep Guardiola played down the Chelsea manager refusing to shake hands with him at the end and implored Abramovich to give Sarri more time.
‘I know what he wants to do,’ said Guardiola. ‘People don’t understand how difficult the first year can be. People think if you buy players, you can immediately come in and win, but you need time. It just depends on the belief of the owners — if the people really believe in that.’