Maurizio Sarri: Chelsea season a success so far

Chelsea's season is a success at this stage, according to head coach Maurizio Sarri.

Published : Apr 27, 2019 15:01 IST

Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri defended his first season at the helm, saying it was a success at this stage.

Runner-up in the EFL Cup, Chelsea is still chasing a top-four finish in the Premier League and is in the Europa League semifinals. Sarri has faced criticism throughout the campaign, but the Italian said his side had enjoyed a good season — albeit with at least five games still to play.

"We played a final, which we lost on penalties. We are in the semifinal in the Europa League. We are fighting for the top four. So the season, at the moment, is good," he told U.K. newspapers.

Read | Sarri expecting determined response from Manchester United

"Of course we have two very, very strong targets — we want the top four in the Premier League and to go to the final of the Europa League. If we are able to get to the final, then we will want to win the final.

"And so I think the season is, at the moment, good. It's been a very difficult season. We lost two or three matches in the wrong way — without fighting — so the feeling, sometimes, is worse, but it's only the first step.

"We need to improve more. We need to become competitive for the top. The first step, though, has been good."

Sarri's men face Manchester United in a crucial clash on Sunday, sitting fourth in the table but only a point ahead of fifth-placed Arsenal.

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