SARRI: THERE’S ALWAYS A JOB HERE FOR JT

Chelsea boss ready to welcome legend Terry into his coaching team when he gives up playing

MAURIZIO SARRI has left the door open for John Terry to make a coaching return to Chelsea.

The Blues boss revealed he spoke to Stamford Bridge legend Terry last week about his plans, but was informed that the 37-year-old wants to continue playing. Terry has since turned down a move to Russian side Spartak Moscow for family reasons. And when asked whether he will make contact with Terry again, Sarri said: “It is up to him because, if he wants to play for another season, it is right that he tries to play. But if he wants to help us, I am really very happy. “I don’t know if there is a chance. I am talking about a week ago. He told me he wants to play, but I don’t know, I have to speak to him.

“Chelsea is his home. I am open to having him because of his history with the club. He has won everything here, so it is up to him.

“Here he is a point of reference, it is John Terry’s home, so his presence alone would be very important for everybody.” Terry is currently working towards his UEFA A coaching licence. He lives near Chelsea’s Cobham training ground, is a regular visitor, and has been keeping himself fit at the Blues HQ, while out of contract. Former team-mate Frank Lampard ruled out a possible Derby move for Terry while Aston Villa, where he spent last season, fear their hopes of re-signing the former England skipper are fading.

The defender is weighing up other offers, but Sarri (below) confirmed any return to the Bridge would be in a coaching capacity. He said: “We have very strong young players – Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ethan Ampadu – and I would like to give them the right space.” Chelsea return to action after the international break against Cardiff today.

Sarri added: “Mentally, the match after the break is always very difficult. In my first season in Naples, the average points per match during the season was 2.28.

“But the average after the break was only 1.31 or 1.32. I’m trying to stress this number to my players. Just telling them this number and my experience in this situation.”