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What's the story?
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri guided his team to their second ever Europa League win with a thumping 4-1 victory over derby rivals Arsenal at Baku, Azerbaijan last night. The victory also meant that the 60-year-old Italian banker turned manager won his first trophy in his 19 years career as a first-team coach. Eden Hazard was the star man of the night and the Belgian dazzled in perhaps his last ever competitive game in a Chelsea shirt.
In case you didn't know...
The Italian's pep talk at the half time inspired The Blues to a dominating second half as they started taking things in their own hands by scoring an early goal and then patiently hitting Arsenal time and again effectively once they left more space at the back.
‘My feeling at the end of the first half was that the match was very difficult,' Sarri said.
‘It was our 64th match of the season and it was hot on the pitch, very difficult to play physically. My feeling from the bench was that we were trying to manage the result. At half-time, I asked my players to play with more courage, even if it meant risking to lose.
‘I wanted my team to move the ball better, and the players did it very well in the second half. We played very good football against a very difficult opponent, who are dangerous in the offensive phase and from counter-attacks. We played very good football and the match was good also for the fans I think.'
The heart of the matter
He was then asked about his future to which he replied.
‘I have to speak to my club. The season finished one hour ago so tomorrow I will speak to the club, like every club at the end of the season. We need to know what the club can do for me, what I can do better for the club. In a couple of days, we will decide, but I have a contract so at the moment we are talking about nothing.
‘I am lucky because I am at Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the best championship in the world. At the moment I am happy, but of course, I want to know if the club is happy and if we can improve. I think I deserve to stay but it's only my opinion.'
What's next?
The Italian manager has had a turbulent debut season in England but he has survived It on a good note guiding Chelsea to a top 4 finish in the Premier League and then lifting the Europa Cup trophy last night. He has been linked with a return to Italy with the likes of Juventus, Roma and AC Milan apparently trying to get his signature.
There also has been rumours in England about club legend Frank Lampard replacing him at Stamford Bridge next season. But, with the recent round of results, he is likely to stay in London next season.
