Sarri to bother you... so how will Cardiff approach a tricky Chelsea challenge?
There have long been questions about the ‘Warnock Way’ and the true definition of Cardiff City’s tactical approach to the game.
Yet over time and thanks to a number of amusing Neil Warnock explanations, Bluebirds fans have merely brushed off assessments and criticisms focusing on their team’s style.
The manager’s famous quote summed up the situation aptly: “I once went to an interview at Norwich and they asked if their fans would accept the ‘Warnock Way’? I said what do you mean, winning?”
Warnock has already used a variety of systems since Cardiff won promotion to the Premier League, but perhaps none are as hyped or distinct as the one that will be deployed by his opposite number at Stamford Bridge this weekend...
So what is ‘Sarriball’?
NEW Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is the latest to emerge through Roman Abramovich’s revolving door of managers in west London, but he has come with a serious reputation.
The chain-smoking, bespectacled, tracksuit-wearing Chelsea head honcho perfected an attractive style of football while at Italian side Napoli, coming agonisingly close to snatching a Serie A title off overwhelming favourites Juventus last season.
And with the signings of midfielder Jorginho from Napoli, plus ballplaying goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, he has the tools in place to do it again at Chelsea.
Respected Italian football writer James Horncastle explained the philosophy of the system – nicknamed ‘Sarriball’ – that proved successful at Napoli and is now being replicated in the Premier League.
“Watching Sarri’s team was like listening to an orchestra.
“They played in perfect harmony, defending and attacking as one. They were a triumph of coaching,” he wrote.
It is essentially a high-pressing 4-3-3 in which possession is paramount, energy is key and teamwork is a must.
BUT with two key differences.
THE priority is on “vertical” passes rather than simply keeping the ball.
And there is no star man like Lionel Messi. The emphasis is on the team – the system – rather than the individual – which explains why Eden Hazard wasn’t an automatic pick for the Blues at the start of the season.
Willian and Pedro fitted in effectively enough as the wingers, although there has been a place for the genius Belgian in the past two matches.
Chelsea have started brightly under the new regime with four successive and very high possession stats: more passes (2,995) than any other side and an equal high passing accuracy (89 per cent) with Manchester City.
“The ‘Sarriball’ effect is certainly starting to take hold of the team and what we are seeing from Chelsea now is a real emphasis on possession,” said Football.London Chelsea reporter Oliver Harbord.
“The 81 per cent possession stat at Newcastle was a real eye-opener of what Sarri is trying to bring to the Blues and at the moment it is developing massively and will only get better.”
It’s the same formula that won admirers for Sarri in Naples.
“I really like this Napoli. I like Sarri’s philosophy and the desire of his team to always have the ball at their feet,” former Spain international Xabi Alonso told Sky Sport Italia last season.
“Napoli are attacking and fearless. They have a clear mentality on the pitch, and I appreciate it.”
That fearlessness is best encapsulated by Jorginho, the player Sarri was so desperate to bring to Chelsea that he pipped champions Manchester City to his fellow countryman’s signature.
Jorginho’s job is to dictate the play from deep, allowing Kante and Mateo Kovacic to shuttle between the lines, and play the killer ball.
The Italian has played more passes than anyone else in the Premier League this season (417, the next highest is Aymeric Laporte with 369) with three other Chelsea players in the top 10.
It all means Cardiff will likely see very little of the ball on Saturday.
How can Cardiff City stop it?
THE short answer is with great difficulty.
Warnock has already hinted that he has no plans to ‘park the bus’, the way Newcastle did (with limited success) at St James’ Park last month.
Rafa Benitez’s side came narrowly close to snatching a point against Chelsea, undone by a late own goal in a 2-1 defeat.
“If you shut shop at Stamford Bridge you’re going to get picked off and lose by two or three anyway,” said