Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is facing calls to resign – but the Italian admits he isn’t going anywhere of his own accord. The Blues were close to suffering yet another embarrassing defeat today at the hands of Cardiff City before late goals from Cesar Azpilicueta and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Chelsea are still facing an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League and patience with Sarri has all but been worn out.
Roman Abramovich has been reluctant to sack the Italian as of yet but today’s performance appears to be the final straw for many in west London.
And fans have made their feelings known on social media that England No 2 Holland is the man to bring the good times back to Stamford Bridge. “Steve Holland, the saviour,” one supporter tweeted.
Sarri was bombarded with chants from away supporters throughout, while fans at home took to social media to demand his sacking.
Despite the late turn around, the Chelsea boss was asked whether he has ever considered leaving Stamford Bridge this season but Sarri admits he wants to stay at the club despite the pleas from disgruntled supporters.
“No, no. I want to stay here,” he responded. “When I arrived here the team in the table were 30 points behind City, fifth and I want to stay here and improve the results. It wasn’t easy work. There is a difference between City, Liverpool and us. We are fighting and trying, we have to work very well.”
Sarri was blasted for his team selection before the clash at the Cardiff City Stadium. Eden Hazard, Callum Hudson-Odoi and N’Golo Kante were all rested by the Italian, who has since defender his decision.
“Let Steve Holland take over this team till the end of the season. Sarri is clueless,” another wrote.
“Our only chance of finishing top 4 is the Europa league & only way to have any chance is bring in someone like Steve Holland who knows Chelsea,the players, young & old &most importantly was a part of winning many trophies with us,” one said.
“Steve Holland, Jody Morris, John Terry. I would *genuinely* rather see any of these take charge of the rest of our games than Maurizio Sarri at this point,” added a fourth.
“Bring in Steve Holland as interim with JT. F*** it nothing to lose now,” one tweeted. “Steve Holland, where art thou? @ChelseaFC,” said one.
“Bring in Steve Holland and passion fest our way to the Europa trophy. Sarri isn’t untouchable,” another added. Sarri was blasted pre-match for his team selection after Eden Hazard, Callum Hudson-Odoi and N’Golo Kante were dropped.
“At the moment, Kante has played 50 matches this season and Hazard 47,” Sarri told Sky Sports. “They played with the national team, Hazard for 187 minutes and Kante for 175. I think it is time to rest.”
Holland left Chelsea after Antonio Conte’s departure but the former Chelsea legend still has a lot of fans at West London. Chelsea still sit sixth in the Premier League despite their win, with fifth-placed Arsenal still to play tomorrow.