MAURIZIO SARRI claims it is not fair if his future is decided on the result of the Europa League final.
But knowing Chelsea, it wouldn’t surprise me if they win the trophy in Baku on Wednesday and still sack the Italian.
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I don’t think what happens against Arsenal will make a difference.
It won’t keep away the moans and groans we have heard at Stamford Bridge this season.
And we have seen Chelsea managers lose their jobs after winning trophies before, so Sarri will still face an uncertain future.
Whenever you take the job at Chelsea, you shouldn’t be surprised by anything.
But if they win the Europa League, after coming third in the Premier League, you have to say that Sarri has had a successful season, despite some of the football they have played at times.
BACKING THE BLUES
I’m tipping Chelsea to beat Arsenal, mainly because of Eden Hazard, who will want to sign off in style.
It looks almost certain he will leave the club this summer.
And I would expect him to produce a moment of brilliance to turn what will likely be his last game for the Blues.
I think he will be the difference in this final. It is probably the right time for Hazard to leave.
And I don’t think Chelsea fans can complain because he has given them great service. Hazard had a few blips in his Blues career but for the most part, he’s been simply sensational.
The Premier League and Chelsea will be a poorer place without him.
As for Arsenal, this is a massive game, as it is hugely important for them to win it and qualify for the Champions League.
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If they are to have any hope of significantly closing the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool, it is imperative they are in Europe’s top competition to attract the best players to the Emirates.
I actually think Unai Emery has done an excellent job in getting Arsenal close to the top four because I don’t think they are a good team at all.
They have been poor defensively all season and they need reinforcements in that area in the summer. But for this game, Emery must pick Bernd Leno in goal, not Petr Cech.
If you had two keepers of equal ability, that is different. But if you have someone who is better than the other one, which Leno clearly is at present, then you have to pick your best player.
A final is not about sentiment, it’s about winning a trophy and Emery has to be ruthless.
I also think it is absolutely disgraceful that Henrikh Mkhitaryan can’t play in Baku because of fears for his safety.
And it is terrible that fans are finding it almost impossible to get out there.
Sometimes you have to be sensible about these things and Uefa should have had a Plan B to move the match elsewhere.
