Maurizio Sarri angrily stormed out of Chelsea training the day before their Europa League final against bitter rivals Arsenal.
The Chelsea head coach reportedly left the field after a heated disagreement between Gonzalo Higuain and David Luiz. The pair were spotted arguing by BT Sport’s cameras but were eventually separated by Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
Tempers fraying in the Chelsea camp? ?
Higuain and Luiz come together in training and Maurizio Sarri is furious! pic.twitter.com/obSZ51KGGd
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 28, 2019
Sarri is said to have swore and repeatedly kicked his cap across the pitch as he left training in Baku on Tuesday evening.
Chelsea officials were quick to deny claims that the two incidents were linked. The Blues have suffered recent losses of several key players due to injury, with midfielder N’Golo Kante facing a race against time to have a chance of making it onto the bench for the derby.
Sarri admitted the club are desperate for Kante to recover as he is the only defensive midfielder they have. He added that he is not sure if Kante will be able to start tomorrow.
He is 50/50 at the moment.
Tension is already running high at the club and Sarri is under pressure to win the Europa League. It is likely that this latest incident won’t help his frosty relationship with many Chelsea supporters.
Sarri’s first season in charge at Stamford Bridge has been plagued by public confrontations amongst the squad and staff.
Chelsea’s loss in the League Cup final to Premier League champions Manchester City was burdened by a notorious clash between Sarri and Kepa Arrizabalaga when the keeper refused to be substituted.
Although the London side finished in third place and reclaimed Champions League football for next season, Sarri’s future is still very much in doubt.
Blues legend Frank Lampard is heavily tipped to replace the Chelsea boss after a successful season managing Championship contenders Derby County. With the club facing a FIFA transfer ban, Lampard’s work with Chelsea youngsters Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori might be a significant advantage.
Juventus are keen to sign the Italian to replace Massimo Allegri according to several reports, and after a volatile season, it’s unlikely Chelsea will stand in his way if the price is right.
