Maurizio Sarri’s apparent refusal to show flexibility with his tactics could prove to be his downfall, according to former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley.
The Blues manager made a fantastic start to life in the Premier League, with many lauding the playing style he brought with him from Napoli.
Chelsea’s season has started to decline in ominous fashion, however, with a top-four finish now far from a guarantee.
Sarri produced an explosive post-match press conference following Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Arsenal, questioning his players’ motivation.
Speaking to ESPN FC, Burnley believes the Italian must shoulder huge amounts of the blame, however, with an inability to change his tactics hampering the team:
He won’t change his system? You’ve got Man United now flying and Arsenal hanging about.
Who’s to say if he finishes fifth or sixth that [Chelsea owner] Roman Abramovich won’t throw him under the bus?
That’s what he’s playing with here.
If he doesn’t realise he needs to be flexible to salvage his job then he’s a fool. Simple as that.
Sarri was famed for his ball-playing brilliance at Napoli, with the 60-year-old turning the Serie A side into one of Europe’s most entertaining teams.
The football on show at Stamford Bridge is dull, however, with too many individuals failing to flourish.
Chelsea looks an unhappy place to be at present, and if Sarri doesn’t at least consider switching things up, things may not end well for him.
