Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has warned that it will take time before his new team are able to produce the ‘Sarri-ball’ style of football his former side Napoli side were famed for.
Napoli won many admirers last season for their progressive possession-based approach, with many viewing the Serie A side as the best team to watch in any of Europe’s top leagues.
Sarri’s side pushed Juventus all the way for the Serie A title, but the 59-year-old has pointed out that it was his third season in Naples before he had his team at their very best:
“It’s (Sarri-ball) not my definition. In Naples we played at great speed, ball forward, ball back, with continuity, with great speed with the strikers. So it was fun for the supporters. And useful for the results, I think,” he told a press conference.
“We made the (points) record of the club in the first, in the second, in the third year – 91 points in the last season (but they finished behind Juventus).
“On 23 of the last 25 Serie A (seasons), 91 points was enough to win the title. So it was a bit unlucky, I think.
“Can you play the same way in England? I don’t know. It depends on the characteristics of the Premier League and of my players. I have to adapt myself on the characteristics of the players, and not vice versa.
“I am used to being under pressure. So I think it’s not a problem. The only pressure that I feel is my pressure, is inside, more than outside. So the pressure was very strong, also, in Naples. So, for me, it’s normal.”
Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign away to Huddersfield today.
