i regret leaving Chelsea after just one season – it was the biggest mistake of my career
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Maurizio Sarri Admits Regret Over Chelsea Exit
Maurizio Sarri has confessed that leaving Chelsea was a “mistake” and wishes he had stayed longer at Stamford Bridge. The Italian coach, who took over from Antonio Conte in July 2018, ended his tenure after just one season to return to his homeland and manage Juventus.
A Successful Yet Brief Chelsea Stint
During his time in west London, Sarri delivered a strong debut season. Under his leadership, Chelsea claimed the Europa League title, secured a top-four Premier League finish, and reached the Carabao Cup final. His win rate stood at an impressive 61.9%, with 39 victories from 63 matches. Despite these achievements, Sarri decided to leave, citing a challenging situation at the club as the main reason.
Challenges Behind the Scenes
Reflecting on his departure, Sarri revealed that the breakdown of owner Roman Abramovich’s relationship with the UK government played a significant role in his decision. Abramovich’s inability to visit England meant limited communication between the two, leaving Sarri to rely on then-director Marina Granovskaia.
“I could have stayed at Chelsea,” Sarri admitted in an interview with The Sun. “But the situation wasn’t easy. Abramovich couldn’t come to England, so I only saw him at games abroad. We had some phone conversations, but not often.
“My main point of contact was Marina. There wasn’t a sporting director, and things weren’t clear. I wanted to return to Italy, but looking back, it was a mistake. It would have been better to stay.”
A Season of Highs and Lows
Sarri’s achievements at Chelsea included:
- Third place in the Premier League.
- Europa League glory.
- Carabao Cup final appearance.
However, the season wasn’t without its low points. Heavy defeats against Manchester City and Bournemouth were among the moments he described as “disasters.”
Regret and Readiness to Return
Despite the challenges, Sarri acknowledges that his time at Chelsea was a positive experience overall. “It was a good season with good results,” he reflected. “We played a lot of great matches, even though there were some tough moments.”
Now 65, Sarri is ready for a fresh start. “I don’t know where I’ll go next, but I’m prepared. Me and my staff are ready to begin again.”
