Irish Sunday Mirror

Sarri’s got a Europa rest cure

- BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA

MAURIZIO SARRI admits he will have to rest stars like Eden Hazard even more often as the Europa League goes on.

Sarri named a strong side for Chelsea’s opening Europa League 1-0 win at Greek side PAOK Salonika on Thursday, with only Hazard, David Luiz, Mateo Kovacic and Emerson Palmieri left in England.

But former Napoli boss Sarri warned: “As you know, for an English team, it is very difficult to play in the Europa League with the Premier League rules.

“In Italy, it is different. In Italy, after this match, we would play for sure on Monday night [not on Sunday].

“In England, we cannot ask this, so we have to play after 64 hours. It’s not so easy. In this moment, maybe it is not a great problem because we have played only six matches.

“Maybe in two, three or four months, it will be a problem.

“First of all, I hope to be in the Europa League in three or four months.

“Maybe then I have to rest many players on Thursdays... five, six, seven at a time.”

Victory in Greece continued Sarri’s perfect six-win start as Blues boss. He said: “I didn’t expect that when I came to England. I am surprised.

“In Naples, the first month was very difficult.

“Of course, I know that the Premier League is very competitiv­e.

“I know that, in the future, probably, I will have to face more difficulti­es.”

Starting with West Ham, Chelsea’s hosts today.

Sarri said: “They are a very good team.

“I think the position in the table of West Ham is not reality.”

 ??  ?? BIG SHOUT: Maurizio Sarri wants Europa League glory
BIG SHOUT: Maurizio Sarri wants Europa League glory
 ??  ?? THURSDAY OFF: Hazard missed game in Greece
THURSDAY OFF: Hazard missed game in Greece

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