‘I make a big mistake’ – Manager who left Chelsea admits he made a ‘mistake’ after leaving Stamford Bridge
Maurizio Sarri, the former maestro at the Chelsea helm, has unveiled a candid revelation, acknowledging what seems to be a retrospective misstep in his managerial journey. The current Lazio boss, reflecting on his time in the English capital, expressed regret over the decision to part ways with Chelsea in 2019.
In an interview with Repubblica, Sarri admitted that despite the challenges and a less-than-ideal tenure at Stamford Bridge, leaving England for Italy was a choice laden with regret. His stint with Chelsea was relatively short-lived, spanning just one season. Yet, in that compressed timeframe, Sarri etched his name in the club’s history by securing the Europa League, a triumph that stands as the solitary accolade in his managerial career.
The narrative of Sarri’s Chelsea tenure featured a significant reliance on Eden Hazard, who thrived under the Italian’s tactical orchestrations. The Europa League final, highlighted by a victory over Arsenal, remains a cherished memory for Chelsea faithful. However, the season was not without its blemishes, notably a setback in the League Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.
Sarri’s decision to depart Chelsea, albeit in the wake of challenging moments, now appears to be colored with remorse. He confessed, “At Chelsea, I had a hard time in a place where no coach could last two years. But then in the last few months, I had fun, and I was wrong to want to leave. Not so much Chelsea, who wanted to keep me, but England. Going back to Italy was a mistake.”
The shadows of that decision extend beyond the mere nuances of football strategy; they embody the intricacies of managerial choices and the complex dance between success and satisfaction. Sarri’s tenure at Chelsea, with its peaks and valleys, emerges as a pivotal chapter in his managerial odyssey—one where the echoes of Stamford Bridge linger as a reminder of what might have been.
