It was a “fundamental mistake” and “an enormous error” for Ex-Chelsea boss, Maurizio Sarri, to leave Chelsea, he has openly acknowledged.



The 65-year-old managed <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> to a 2019 Europa League final triumph against Arsenal during his one season at the helm. His team had a similar run that year in the Carabao Cup. However, they lost to Manchester City in a penalty shootout at Wembley. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/sarri-resigns-as-lazio-coach-amid-supposed-split-with-players/">Sarri</a> left Chelsea that summer to rejoin <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a> in Serie A; although he now wishes he had stayed in the Premier League.



“[Leaving was] a fundamental mistake in my career”, he told <a href="https://sport.sky.it/calciomercato/2024/06/07/sarri-napoli-conte-calciomercato-news" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Italia</a> when questioned about his tenure at Chelsea. “We had everything required to remain. It’s a difficult club to work at where you probably don’t get to finish the second season, as practically nobody did in the Roman Abramovich era.



“At least I would’ve remained in the general Premier League situation. We had a good journey there, as the previous season the team finished fifth, then we were third behind Liverpool and Manchester City, who were above all the rest.



“We won the Europa League with 13 victories and lost the Carabao Cup final on penalties to Manchester City, after eliminating Liverpool and Tottenham, who that year had reached the Champions League final. I made an enormous error that I should’ve avoided. The desire to return to Italy should’ve been inferior to the desire to stay in the Premier League, but that was not the case.”



<h2>How “Sarri-ball” helped Chelsea</h2>



The Italian manager known for his tactical acumen and distinctive playing style, took the helm at Stamford Bridge in summer 2018. His arrival was met with mixed reactions; given his reputation for implementing a highly specific style of play, often referred to as “Sarri-ball.”



Over his single season with the club, Sarri’s short spell had notable highs, including a major European trophy. However, he also faced significant challenges, marked by internal strife and questions about his philosophy’s adaptability to the Premier League.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="800" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240608_WST_510858_imago0040582686h-1200x800_989cae85.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" alt="" class="wp-image-510897" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/imago0040582686h-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/imago0040582686h-300x200.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/imago0040582686h-768x512.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/imago0040582686h-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/imago0040582686h-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Sarri won his first trophy as a professional coach with Chelsea in the 2018/19 Europa League</figcaption></figure>



Sarri’s appointment was seen as a move towards a more aesthetically pleasing style of soccer. However, this shift promised both excitement and uncertainty, as he had not tested his methods outside Italy. “Sarri-ball” is characterized by quick, short passes, high pressing, and a focus on maintaining possession. At its best, it creates a dynamic and entertaining brand of soccer.



<h2>Mixed legacy amid criticism</h2>



However, its implementation requires players to adapt to highly specific positional play and intense physical demands. Early in the season, it was clear that the experienced boss faced the challenge of instilling his philosophy in a squad not entirely suited to it.



The adaptation period saw mixed results, with moments of brilliance interspersed with frustrating performances. 



Key to Sarri’s system was the midfield pivot, a role he assigned to <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44430551" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jorginho</a>, his trusted lieutenant from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/napoli-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-united-states">Napoli</a>. This move, however, displaced N’Golo Kante from his preferred defensive midfield position, leading to criticism from fans and pundits alike.



The crowning achievement of his tenure at West London was undoubtedly winning the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Europa League</a>. The Blues navigated through the competition with relative ease. This run showcased the tactical prowess and resilience that Sarri had instilled in the squad.



Sarri’s legacy at Chelsea is complex. On one hand, he delivered a major European trophy and ensured the club’s return to the Champions League. 



On the other hand, his single-minded approach and the internal discord it bred left a somewhat divisive imprint on the club’s history. His tenure underscored the difficulties of implementing a distinct footballing philosophy in a league as competitive and physically demanding as the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-premier-league-on-us-tv-internet/">Premier League</a>.



Photo credits: IMAGO / Lackovic : IMAGO / Newspix

"My biggest mistake": Ex-Chelsea boss on club exit in 2019

It was a "fundamental mistake and an enormous error" for Ex-Chelsea boss, Maurizio Sarri, to leave the London club

Maurizio Sarri officially stepped down as head coach of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/lazio-tv-schedule/">Lazio</a> on Wednesday. The veteran manager was quickly replaced by former assistant Giovanni Martusciello. Lazio currently sits ninth in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/serie-a-tv-schedule/">Serie A</a> table after finishing second only behind champions <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/napoli-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-united-states/">Napoli</a> during the previous campaign. 



<a href="https://football-italia.net/what-sarri-told-lazio-squad-when-resigning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reports</a> out of Italy claim that Sarri made the choice after supposedly telling the players that they were not with him anymore. The same report even went as far as saying that some of the team members were happy with the coach’s departure. Sarri’s contract at the club was previously set to expire in the summer of 2025.



“S.S. Lazio announces that Maurizio Sarri has handed in his resignation as head coach of the first team,” the team said in a <a href="https://www.sslazio.it/en/news/comunicati/comunicato-ufficiale" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>. “The club would like to thank the coach for his achievements and for the work he has done, wishing him the best of luck in his professional and personal life.



“At the same time, the club communicates that it has decided to entrust Giovanni Martusciello with the technical leadership.”



<h2>Lazio has taken huge step backward after solid previous season</h2>



Sarri made the decision to depart the club after he failed to win any of the team’s previous four matchups. Lazio also recorded five losses during their last seven Serie A fixtures as well. After taking a year off from the sport, the Italian coach initially joined the club in the summer of 2021.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240313_WST_494830_Sarri-sacked-Serie-A-1200x670_fd50f04a.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-494848" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Sarri-sacked-Serie-A-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Sarri-sacked-Serie-A-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Sarri-sacked-Serie-A-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Sarri-sacked-Serie-A.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



In his first season at the helm, Lazio finished fifth, subsequently qualifying for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">Europa League</a>. Star striker Ciro Immobile flourished under Sarri and finished the 2021/22 campaign as the Italian top flight’s top scorer. The coach’s influence on the club seemed to get positive from there, as Lazio finished second in the Serie A the following season.



Nevertheless, the Roman club has taken a major step backward during the current campaign. Lazio found themselves as low as 18th in the table after dropping their opening two league matches. Sarri did manage to lift the team back up to sixth as recently as late January. However, the club’s recent form has since diminished over the last six weeks. 



<h2>Sarri latest veteran coach to seemingly lose his touch</h2>



Despite the setback, Sarri will now likely become a significant target for other top teams around Europe later this summer. After all, the Italian has collected silverware with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a> in previous spells at the clubs. Sarri guided the Blues to the Europa League trophy in 2019. Although he left the team soon after the triumph, the coach then won the Serie A with the Old Lady a year later. 



While Sarri is a highly rated veteran coach, and will likely find a job fairly fast, clubs should perhaps be looking forward when looking to hire a manager. Fellow veteran Rafa Benitez was recently sacked by Spanish side <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/celta-vigo-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Celta Vigo</a> on Tuesday. Jose Mourinho departed <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/roma-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Roma</a> back in January as well. There have been <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/managers-like-players-lose-touch-and-ability-as-their-careers-age/">suggestions</a> that, much like players, older coaches tend to lose their ability with age.



Along with these concerns, Sarri has also previously found himself in hot water due to homophobic and sexist comments. Serie A officials fined the coach over $20,000 for a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/19/internazionale-napoli-roberto-mancini-maurizio-sarri" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remark</a> during an exchange with then <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-milan-tv-schedule/">Inter Milan</a> manager Roberto Mancini. Sarri eventually <a href="https://africa.espn.com/football/story/_/id/37500069/new-chelsea-boss-maurizio-sarri-presents-anti-antonio-conte" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apologized</a> for the comments after accepting the Chelsea position back in 2018.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Sarri resigns as Lazio coach amid supposed split with players

Maurizio Sarri has officially stepped down as head coach of Lazio. Italian reports claim that the manager felt as if he lost his players.

Maurizio Sarri officially stepped down as head coach of <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/lazio-tv-schedule/">Lazio</a> on Wednesday. The veteran manager was quickly replaced by former assistant Giovanni Martusciello. Lazio currently sits ninth in the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/serie-a-tv-schedule/">Serie A</a> table after finishing second only behind champions <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/napoli-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-united-states/">Napoli</a> during the previous campaign. 



<a href="https:\/\/football-italia.net/what-sarri-told-lazio-squad-when-resigning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reports</a> out of Italy claim that Sarri made the choice after supposedly telling the players that they were not with him anymore. The same report even went as far as saying that some of the team members were happy with the coach’s departure. Sarri’s contract at the club was previously set to expire in the summer of 2025.



“S.S. Lazio announces that Maurizio Sarri has handed in his resignation as head coach of the first team,” the team said in a <a href="https:\/\/www.sslazio.it/en/news/comunicati/comunicato-ufficiale" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>. “The club would like to thank the coach for his achievements and for the work he has done, wishing him the best of luck in his professional and personal life.



“At the same time, the club communicates that it has decided to entrust Giovanni Martusciello with the technical leadership.”



<h2>Lazio has taken huge step backward after solid previous season</h2>



Sarri made the decision to depart the club after he failed to win any of the team’s previous four matchups. Lazio also recorded five losses during their last seven Serie A fixtures as well. After taking a year off from the sport, the Italian coach initially joined the club in the summer of 2021.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240313_WST_494830_Sarri-sacked-Serie-A-1200x670_1ca13ad1.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-494848" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Sarri-sacked-Serie-A-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Sarri-sacked-Serie-A-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Sarri-sacked-Serie-A-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Sarri-sacked-Serie-A.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



In his first season at the helm, Lazio finished fifth, subsequently qualifying for the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">Europa League</a>. Star striker Ciro Immobile flourished under Sarri and finished the 2021/22 campaign as the Italian top flight’s top scorer. The coach’s influence on the club seemed to get positive from there, as Lazio finished second in the Serie A the following season.



Nevertheless, the Roman club has taken a major step backward during the current campaign. Lazio found themselves as low as 18th in the table after dropping their opening two league matches. Sarri did manage to lift the team back up to sixth as recently as late January. However, the club’s recent form has since diminished over the last six weeks. 



<h2>Sarri latest veteran coach to seemingly lose his touch</h2>



Despite the setback, Sarri will now likely become a significant target for other top teams around Europe later this summer. After all, the Italian has collected silverware with <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> and <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a> in previous spells at the clubs. Sarri guided the Blues to the Europa League trophy in 2019. Although he left the team soon after the triumph, the coach then won the Serie A with the Old Lady a year later. 



While Sarri is a highly rated veteran coach, and will likely find a job fairly fast, clubs should perhaps be looking forward when looking to hire a manager. Fellow veteran Rafa Benitez was recently sacked by Spanish side <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/celta-vigo-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Celta Vigo</a> on Tuesday. Jose Mourinho departed <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/roma-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Roma</a> back in January as well. There have been <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/managers-like-players-lose-touch-and-ability-as-their-careers-age/">suggestions</a> that, much like players, older coaches tend to lose their ability with age.



Along with these concerns, Sarri has also previously found himself in hot water due to homophobic and sexist comments. Serie A officials fined the coach over $20,000 for a <a href="https:\/\/www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/19/internazionale-napoli-roberto-mancini-maurizio-sarri" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remark</a> during an exchange with then <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-milan-tv-schedule/">Inter Milan</a> manager Roberto Mancini. Sarri eventually <a href="https:\/\/africa.espn.com/football/story/_/id/37500069/new-chelsea-boss-maurizio-sarri-presents-anti-antonio-conte" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apologized</a> for the comments after accepting the Chelsea position back in 2018.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Maurizio Sarri"

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"My biggest mistake": Ex-Chelsea boss on club exit in 2019

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Sarri resigns as Lazio coach amid supposed split with players

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Sarri resigns as Lazio coach amid supposed split with players