Chelsea confirm the appointment of Sarri as their new head coach
The Italian coach replaces Antonio Conte in the hotseat as Chelsea look to regain their place at the top of the Premier League
Chelsea have officially confirmed that Maurizio Sarri is their new head coach, signing a three year deal, and replaces the recently sacked Antonio Conte. Sarri arrives from Napoli where he had a successful three seasons at the Italian club and guided them back into the Champions League.
"I am very happy to be coming to Chelsea and the Premier League. It is an exciting new period in my career", confirmed the the 59-year-old coach. "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."
"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."
Sarri becomes the ninth coach to take charge at Chelsea since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003. The eight before him were: José Mourinho, Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink - twice as caretaker coach -, Carlo Ancelotti, André Villas-Boas, Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benítez. Chelsea had a mixed campaign last time out as they won the FA Cup but finished fifth in the Premier League and missed out on the Champions League places.
Marina Granovskaia, a director at Chelsea, said they were "delighted" to welcome Maurizio to the club and spoke about the Italian coach's focus on "attacking and dynamic" football. "His coaching methods significantly improved the players at his disposal."
