New Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri says he is “bored” by transfer talk and wants to concentrate on coaching and making football “fun”.
Sarri’s predecessor Antonio Conte had a strained relationship with the Chelsea board having been openly critical of the club’s transfer business last season.
Conte was replaced by his fellow Italian Sarri last week following a difficult season, despite winning the FA Cup.
The former Napoli manager was quick to clarify his role.
“I feel much more of a field manager – a pitch manager than a general manager,” he said at a news conference on Wednesday.
“I am one of the few managers who is bored by the transfer market. I don’t want to talk about the transfer market and I’m not that interested. Our task as managers is growing the players we have.”
The future of star players Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Willian is yet to be resolved, with all three being strongly linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge.
Sarri said there had to be “strong players”, “physicality” and “technical play”, but he hoped to bring entertaining football to Chelsea, with whatever side he has at his disposal.
“Clearly, football can be entertaining or not, but much depends on the players,” he added.
“I am convinced if a team has fun, often the fans have fun too.
“My goal is to have fun as long as I’m here and possibly be competitive in all the competitions until the end.
“In life the biggest you gift you may receive is to have fun while you do your job.”