What Sarri said to Chelsea’s players to spark second-half blitzing of Arsenal

Maurizio Sarri has revealed that he told his players to be braver during his half-time team talk against Arsenal.

After a goalless first half, Chelsea took control and thrashed the Gunners 4-1 in Baku to win the Europa League.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Blues boss Sarri explained that his players responded after being told to take risks in order to open the game up.

He said: “My feeling from the bench was that we were trying to manage the result.

“So at half-time I asked my players to play with more courage – and also to risk that we could lose.

“I think that the players did it very well in the second half. We played good football against very good opponents.”

Sarri is now set for talks about his future after recent reports that he could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.

After delivering a trophy and a return to the Champions League in his first season in charge, the Italian is convinced he should be kept on.

“I think so but it’s only my opinion. My opinion is not enough,” Sarri said.