Report: Maurizio Sarri Relaxes Antonio Conte Rules on Diet and Match Preparation

Maurizio Sarri has reportedly softened the rules on nutrition and match preparation introduced at Chelsea by his predecessor Antonio Conte in an attempt to generate a more relaxed atmosphere at the club. 

According to Sam Wallace in the Telegraph, players will no longer be required to stay at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel the night before evening Stamford Bridge matches, while a broader selection of food will now be available at the training ground.

Conte's strictness on diet and pre-match rules were unpopular with some of the Chelsea players, and they will now be able to stay at home before matchdays and enjoy a wider selection of food while staying in hotels at away games, added Wallace.

Sarri has not had long to implement his methods and style at Stamford Bridge.

Conte was widely expected to leave at the end of last season, with Sarri waiting in the wings, but the former Napoli boss was not installed until July 14.

It meant Conte even took charge of the opening training sessions of pre-season despite the fact that his tenure was all but over.

The 49-year-old Italian was largely a success at Chelsea as he won the 2016-17 Premier League title and then the FA Cup last term.

However, during 2017-18 cracks began to appear in Conte's relationship with the club's board, as well as some key players, deteriorated.

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He effectively forced Diego Costa out of the club and alienated Willian and David Luiz by not giving them enough game time.

Conte also had to defend himself after it emerged some Chelsea players were dissatisfied with his arduous training methods, per Ian Winrow in The Times.

Sarri does not want to make the same mistakes, and it is likely his more relaxed approach will be welcomed by the Chelsea squad.

The 59-year-old is still interested in trimming his squad further, with Tammy Abraham, Charly Musonda and Danny Drinkwater expected to follow Tiemoue Bakayoko out the exit door at Stamford Bridge, per Wallace.

The French midfielder joined AC Milan on loan on Wednesday after a difficult debut season with the Blues.