Chelsea have done a U-turn on their original decision not to hire former Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri. The club is now ready to appoint the Italian manager according to one Italian football journalist.
Chelsea ready to appoint Maurizio Sarri
Chelsea had originally identified Sarri as their main candidate to take over for Antonio Conte. However, the club had decided against hiring Sarri due to his controversial past in coaching and the release clause the Blues must pay Napoli to sign him.
Italian football journalist Matteo Pedrosi now claims Sarri will be appointed Chelsea manager this week. According to Pedrosi, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich wants to hire Sarri above all other candidates. The owner will finally make the move this week before the offseason progresses any further.
Chelsea have been in discussions with Conte about his departure from the club. However, the Blues have baulked at paying Conte his final year’s salary, which he would be due if they sack him. The fee would be around £8 million.
The Blues have been linked with several Napoli players to reunite with Sarri.
Sarri is also wanted by other clubs around Europe. Reports in Spain indicate Real Madrid want to bring the Italian to the Santiago Bernabeu. Sarri was also linked to Russia’s Zenit St. Petersburg with a salary of £12m per season. However, it is claimed Sarri wants to manage in England and try his hand in the Premier League.
Although Sarri was unable to win a trophy in his three seasons at Napoli, he is highly regarded as a manager.