In his prematch press conference ahead of his side’s visit to Malmo, for a Europa League round of 32 clash, Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri said he has not heard from club owner Roman Abramovich since the disaster at Manchester City last weekend. City thrashed Chelsea 6-0 this past Sunday, prompting speculation that Sarri’s job could be in danger.
Abramovich is known for not having a whole lot of patience with his managers, but after the game Sarri said on Sunday that he would welcome a conversation with his ultimate boss. He also said that he never really hears from the Russian oligarch, but on Wednesday Sarri said those comments were mistranslated.
“Not in this week,” Sarri responded when asked if he’s heard from Abramovich.
“It depends on the president. It’s not never, not very often. Not never. The interview was in Italian, I am better than you at this. I have spoken to him, not this week. I would like to speak to someone of the club, not necessarily the owner. I speak to Marina [Granovskaia, club director] and for me that is enough.“
Chelsea FC chairman Bruce Buck attended this news conference, which according to those close to the team is a rarity. According to reports, Sarri’s seat is scorching hot right now and his fate is likely tied to how Chelsea perform in the Europa League. It appears that if Sarriball gets the Blues back to the UCL next season, he’ll be back for second season at Stamford Bridge.
If not, then Chelsea will be looking for their third manager since they sacked Jose Mourinho near the end of 2015. Blue is the color; of frequent managerial regime changes.
Chelsea FC at Malmo UEFA Europa League Round of 32 FYIs
Starting XI Prediction, Injury Report: go to this link
Kickoff: Thursday, February 14, 8pm, Swedbank Stadion
Odds via Betfair: Chelsea 1/3, Draw 4/1, Malmo 17/2
Odds via Bet365 to win UEL tournament: Chelsea 4/1, Arsenal 6/1, Napoli 6/1, Inter 10/1, Sevilla 12/1
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.