Antonio Rudiger has made an interesting observation about Maurizio Sarri’s training regime, comparing it to being at school.
Despite making a strong start to his Chelsea managerial career, Sarri has gone underfire in recent weeks and is now widely understood to be fighting for his job after only six months into his three-year contract at Stamford Bridge. Having already suffered embarrassing setbacks against Manchester City and Bournemouth in recent weeks, a timid fifth-round FA Cup defeat against Manchester United has loudened calls for the departure of the ex-Napoli manager, who was booed by the club’s own supporters at Stamford Bridge in Monday’s loss.
Matchday Training Sessions
Sarri had lamented his lack of pre-season preparations at west London and as the Blues’ performances gradually dipped, he has gone on to introduce light tactical training on match days in a bid to convince some of his players reportedly unconvinced by his preferred approach.
In a recent interview, Blues centreback Rudiger further elaborated on the Chelsea boss’ training regime. The 25-year-old likened the matchday sessions to a classroom setting, with Sarri the teacher and him and his teammates the students.
“It’s not like we are doing box to box runs. It’s not physical. It’s just the tactical things he likes to do,” said the Germany international. “It’s the same if you sit in the school the whole time listening to someone. Of course, sometimes, it gets mental, but at the end of the day you have to do your job.”
A Season-defining Stretch
The west Londoners’ next match would be against Malmo in the last 32 of the Europa League, wherein they go into holding a 2-1 advantage, and while they would also entertain Tottenham in a league clash at the end of the month, Sunday’s League Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley may well prove to be the game that may decide the fate of Sarri at Stamford Bridge.
“First of all, let’s speak about the game tomorrow because it’s important for us to stay in this competition and fight to win it,” continued Rudiger. “Then, on Sunday, a big game against City at Wembley. That will show the truth. That will show our way this season.
“The truth in terms of keeping up with opponents like City, and also Liverpool and Tottenham. You always play for your manager, but you want results. You want to win. No player on earth likes to have the kind of run we’ve had.”
