With Antonio Conte gone, Chelsea had to announce their new manager. Confirmation did not take too long to come after getting rid of their former boss, with the Blues naming his replacement on Saturday morning – 24 hours after confirming his departure.
Unsurprisingly, the London giant took to social media to reveal Maurizio Sarri would be taking over the first-team for the upcoming seasons. After months of speculation linking this Italian tactician with a move to Stamford Bridge, he has finally put pen to paper on a three-year deal.
Maurizio Sarri is the new Chelsea head coach!
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 14, 2018
Full story: https://t.co/qQwb5xZT3f#WelcomeSarri pic.twitter.com/DCNfoVCoz6
The former Napoli boss had long been the favorite to replace Conte. The FA Cup holder was destined to sack Antonio and this Serie A mastermind has the credentials to rejuvenate Hazard and Co. after missing out on a Champions League spot last season.
Sarri led his team to two second-place Serie A finishes while playing attractive football. His side narrowly missed out on the Scudetto title to Juventus, but his love for an attacking style won over critics regardless of his shortcomings.
Maurizio Sarri is the new @ChelseaFC coach. If he creates a team as entertaining to watch as Napoli were under his stewardship then Chelsea's fans are in for a treat.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 14, 2018
251 - In their three seasons under Maurizio Sarri, Napoli scored more league goals than any other side in Serie A. Bridged. pic.twitter.com/3tIQKN9SSd
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 14, 2018
For that reason, his Chelsea arrival has many excited. The manager himself relishes the challenge that is the Premier League.
"I am very happy to be coming to Chelsea and the Premier League. It is an exciting new period in my career," the newly-appointed tactician told the club's official website.
"I look forward to starting work and meeting the players on Monday ahead of traveling 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 replaces a manager who despite his falling outs with the club's hierarchy, delivered trophies. In Conte's debut season, he won the league title in record fashion but missed out on the FA Cup title to Arsenal.
However, he got his hands on that cup in his second season but it Chelsea's struggles in the league that was the final straw. Their new gaffer will attempt to wrestle the title out of Man City's grip.
Along with Sarri, the London giant appears destined to also steal Jorginho from Napoli. The Brazilian is in the English capital ahead of his reported $66m switch after snubbing the Citizens for Chelsea.