MAURIZIO SARRI is ready to accept being called a ‘s**t Italian’ because it happened during a match.
Chelsea’s manager and the club have made a shock climbdown after reporting Burnley to the Football Association following Monday’s heated 2-2 draw.
Sky Sports
Head coach Sarri did not attend the post-game Press conference after claiming to be ‘offended’ by comments made by an opposition coach.
Chelsea reported the matter to referee Kevin Friend but the FA are not pursuing the matter.
Speaking for the first time about the incident, Sarri said: “It was a strong discussion but on the pitch, under pressure.
“And, in my opinion, a situation on the pitch has to remain on the pitch.
“As you know, I made a lot of mistakes on the pitch sometimes in the past. But under pressure it can happen.
“I know very well you can say something sometimes that is not in your mind. I think that the situation is finished. I think that the two clubs spoke, and they agreed that the situation is finished. I agree with the two clubs.”
As you know, I made a lot of mistakes on the pitch sometimes in the past. But under pressure it can happen.
Maurizio Sarri
Chelsea No 2 Gianfranco Zola revealed Sarri’s anguish at what were claimed to be ‘repeated’ slurs from one of Burnley’s coaching staff.
The Blues have taken a strong stand this season against racism among their own fans but have now agreed to drop their argument.
Sarri heads to Manchester United for tomorrow’s match worse off by £8,000 after copping an FA fine over a separate incident on Monday, when he was sent to the stands.
Chelsea go to Old Trafford having been thrown another lifeline in their bid to claim a top-four spot.
After blowing a 2-1 lead against Burnley, fifth-placed Arsenal’s 3-1 pummeling at Wolves the following night puts Chelsea a point clear inside the Champions League places.
The return of German defender Antonio Rudiger from injury is a huge boost.
Now Sarri believes that his team has done well in his first season, despite defeat in the Carabao Cup final.
He said: “We lost the final on penalties. We are in the semi-final in the Europa League. We are fighting for the top four. So the season, at the moment, is good. It’s only the first step.”
Getty – Contributor
