Maurizio Sarri Talks Napoli Contract Extension Amid Chelsea Rumours
Maurizio Sarri says he is close to extending his contract with Serie A side Napoli, despite rumours linking him with Chelsea.
Sarri explained to TvLuna (h/t Goal’s Ben Spratt): “It’s not a problem. The contract is there and we will have to make sure the conditions are agreed.”
Sarri explained why he wants to carry on in Naples:
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"The fans are great and I hope I can always give 100 percent. If I am not able to do that then I will have to take a step back. Otherwise, I can go on. I feel a big debt to the fans and the only way I can (repay it) is to give my best.”
Sarri’s words will come as a blow to Chelsea. The Blues were rumoured to be keen on the chain-smoking 59-year-old to replace Antonio Conte in the the summer.
Owner Roman Abramovich has lined up Sarri and Carlo Ancelotti as potential replacements, per Il Corriere dello Sport (h/t Metro).
Sarri’s "tactical nous and player management" have made the Blues take notice, per Metro.
He is an interesting candidate after producing some commendable work at the Stadio San Paolo.
Napoli sit second in the Italian top flight, two points behind Juventus with nine games to play.
Finishing first would end the Bianconeri’s six-year stranglehold on the Serie A title. It would also give Napoli a first Scudetto since 1990.
The achievement would be just as notable because of the style of Napoli’s football. Sarri’s team is producing slick, intricate and creative moves in forward areas.
Sarri has created an eye-catching side built on South American flair in midfield. Brazilian duo Allan and Jorginho ably support Marek Hamsik.
Further forward, Sarri’s decision to convert wide forward Dries Mertens into a central striker has proved a masterstroke. The Belgium international has scored 20 goals in all competitions while being supported by prolific wingers Lorenzo Insigne and Jose Callejon.
It’s easy to see why Chelsea would be intrigued by what Sarri might achieve with gifted attackers Eden Hazard, Willian, Pedro and Cesc Fabregas.
Yet it sounds as though the architect of Serie A’s most exciting team is content to stay in Naples for the foreseeable future.
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