“I still don’t know what it is” Ex-Chelsea star takes aim at Maurizio Sarri’s tactical approach 

Former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has questioned Maurizio Sarri's brand of football in an interesting insight into his time with the Italian coach. The now-retired former England international endured a frustrating time under Sarri from July 2018 to June 2019.

Cahill, 38, who left Stamford Bridge two months after Sarri, still ponders what football his former manager looks to implement. He told former Blues midfielder John Obi-Mikel on the Obi One Podcast:

"It was all tactical stuff (boring stuff basically)? Yeah, what was Sarri ball then? I played there and I still don’t know what it is, he didn’t play me (laughs), he was a very stand still and superstitious manager."

Sarri arrived at Chelsea with his stock high after an impressive reign at Napoli in Serie A. He oversaw 40 wins in 63 games and led them to the UEFA Europa League trophy in 2019 with a 4-1 win over Arsenal in the final.

'Sarri ball' is a fast-paced and possession-based style of play with fans in Italy purring during his Naples spell. His management approach didn't go down too well with some of his squad in west London.

Cahill made just eight appearances across competitions under Sarri during the 2018-19 season. He'd appeared 43 times in the season before which speaks volumes of the lack of game time handed to him by the Italian.

Sarri is currently without a club after leaving Lazio in March earlier this year. There were slight murmurs of a return to Chelsea but the Blues opted for his compatriot Enzo Maresca.

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"I wish he came a bit earlier" - Cesc Fabregas gave a glowing verdict of Sarri at Chelsea

Cesc Fabregas was delighted to work with Maurizio Sarri (Image - Getty)

Cesc Fabregas seemingly disagreed with Cahill's stance over Sarri when the Spanish midfield maestro played under the former Blues coach. The Premier League legend, who also was managed by Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger during his career, said in October 2018:

"I feel sensations under Sarri that I never thought I would feel again," said Fabregas. I wish he came a bit earlier to be honest. It's a little bit late now in my career. Definitely I'm very happy with him."

Fabregas wasn't a prominent member Sarri's starting XI during his one year in charge at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard made just 16 appearances but clearly enjoyed working with the Italian. He's now coaching in Serie A with Como perhaps using his experience with Sarri.