Maurizio Sarri was in charge of Chelsea for less than one year but led Chelsea to two cup finals during his time at Stamford Bridge. Sarri capped off his time with Chelsea in late May when the Blues lifted the Europa League trophy with a 4-1 win over Arsenal.
Chelsea are now in the same position they were last term when Antonio Conte was sacked. Now, the Blues are trading in Sarri for a new manager despite the Italian’s success in year one at Stamford Bridge.
With the Italian gone from Stamford Bridge, Fantasy Sports takes a look at 5 Maurizio Sarri memorable moments at Chelsea.
5. Europa League semifinal win over Eintracht Frankfurt
Chelsea steamrolled their opponents in the Europa League until they go to the semifinal stage. There, they met Germany’s Eintracht Frankfurt who gave them a difficult 180-plus minutes of football.
After a 1-1 draw in Germany, the two teams played out a second 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. Extra-time couldn’t separate the two and the clubs went to penalties.
Eintracht Frankfurt had the advantage going into their fourth penalty, but consecutive misses coupled with David Luiz and Eden Hazard penalty makes gave Chelsea the win.
4. Huddersfield 0-3 Chelsea
Sarri got off to a great start at Chelsea with a 3-0 away win at Huddersfield. The Blues played exciting, attractive football which made many forget the previous season under Conte.
It wasn’t long before supporters had dubbed Chelsea’s style of play ‘Sarri-ball’. Chelsea were inspired early on under the Italian and went undefeated in their first 12 Premier League matches.
3. Manchester City 6-0 Chelsea
Not all Sarri moments are memorable for a good reason. In early February, Chelsea visited the Etihad Stadium and were thoroughly outplayed by Manchester City from the first minute.
Within the opening 30 minutes, the Blues were down 4-0. The second half wasn’t much better as Chelsea conceded two more goals losing 6-0.
2. Kepa Arrizabalaga refuses to leave the pitch
Although it wasn’t a top moment, the Carabao Cup Final will go down as one of the most memorable moments during Sarri’s year at Chelsea.
Kepa went down with cramp during the Carabao Cup Final against Manchester City. With penalties on tap, Sarri attempted to remove the goalkeeper but Kepa refused to leave the pitch even with his number on the fourth official’s board.
Kepa’s defiance was the beginning of the end for Sarri at Chelsea. The Blues lost to Manchester City on penalties.
1. Chelsea win Europa League Final
Sarri’s crowning achievement at Stamford Bridge was the Europa League trophy. Chelsea were brilliant in the competition and only troubled in the semifinals by Germany’s Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Blues surprisingly strolled to victory against Arsenal in the final, 4-1, to lift their second Europa League trophy. Two goals from Hazard sealed the trophy and the end for the manager at Stamford Bridge.
