Maurizio Sarri has succeeded Antonio Conte as Chelsea manager on a three-year deal, the club announced on Saturday.
The 59-year-old former Napoli head coach becomes Roman Abramovich’s ninth full-time manager in his 15 years as owner less than 24 hours after Conte parted company with the club he led to a league and FA Cup title.
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said:
“We are delighted to welcome Maurizio and are looking forward to him bringing his football philosophy to Chelsea.”
“I look forward to starting work and meeting the players on Monday ahead of travelling to Australia, where I will be able to get to know the squad and begin our match action,” Sarri told the club’s official website.
“I hope we can provide some entertaining football for our fans, and that we will be competing for trophies at the end of the season, which is what this club deserves.”
“We are delighted to welcome Maurizio and are looking forward to him bringing his football philosophy to Chelsea,” said club director Marina Granovskaia.
“Maurizio’s Napoli side played some of the most exciting football in Europe, impressing with their attacking approach and dynamism, and his coaching methods significantly improved the players at his disposal. He has plenty of experience in Serie A and the Champions League and we know he is relishing the chance to work in the Premier League.’
Napoli midfielder Jorginho is expected to follow his former coach to Stamford Bridge. The 26-year-old, born in Brazil and capped by Italy, arrived in London on Friday evening to complete his transfer.
Sarri replaced Antonio Conte, who left his job on Thursday. Chelsea confirmed Conte’s departure on Friday with a 52-word statement.
Negotiations to release Sarri from his Napoli deal took some weeks to conclude. He was replaced there by Carlo Ancelotti in late May but was not released from his contract, forcing Chelsea to pay a fee to secure him.
The Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola is set to be given a role to work alongside Sarri.
AFP
