Ross Barkley has revealed that he re-watched Napoli’s games from last season in the summer prior to Maurizio Sarri’s arrival at Stamford Bridge in order to prepare himself for the demands of Sarriball, football.london report.
Having been cast out of the first team under former Blues boss Antonio Conte, Barkley was keen to make a good first impression with Sarri in an attempt to gain more first-team football.
The midfielder indicated in the matchday programme from Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat against Manchester City that he re-watched Sarri’s Napoli last summer and was intrigued by the Italian’s style of play.
During the summer I watched a lot of Napoli’s games from last season to try and learn as much as I could about the new boss’ style of play.
It was really interesting to see how Napoli dominated the ball against City [when they met in the Champions League]. We’re used to having a lot of the ball ourselves but, when you play against City, that’s not always the case. You have to be organised.
Chelsea were much improved against Pep Guardiola’s side after their 6-0 humbling at the Etihad just two weeks ago, in which Barkley started and gifted Sergio Aguero a goal by heading the ball into the striker’s path while he was clean through on goal.
Barkley started the game alongside N’Golo Kante and Jorginho in a three-man midfield.
While the Blues were unable to get the better of City on Sunday, they can take heart from an improved showing.
