Maurizio Sarri has issued an impassioned defence of his Chelsea record – by digging out Arsenal.
Sarri has faced intense criticism over the past few weeks as Chelsea embarked on a run of poor form.
The Blues have slipped to sixth in the Premier League but reached the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday, and will now prepare for Sunday’s League Cup final.
There were reports earlier in the week that the Italian was one more loss from being sacked at Stamford Bridge, but he cannot understand why “people” believe that Arsenal’s campaign has been “impressive” in comparison.
Does anyone actually think that?
“I am not interested, to be honest,” he told Sky Sport Italia of speculation over his future after the win over Malmo.
“I have to think of my work as a big picture issue, otherwise I’d do my work badly. So I continue along my path and nothing has changed, as far as I am concerned.
“I keep hearing people praise Arsenal’s season, but they are not in the Cup Final, they have fewer points than us in the Premier League and reached the last 16 of the Europa League just like us.
“I don’t understand why people act as if our season is so negative and Arsenal’s is impressive.”
I don’t understand why you think 50 points is fewer than 50 points.
“It’s true there have been many peaks and troughs, including some very deep troughs, but considering it’s my first season in a new league and environment, I think that’s acceptable.
“I did take over a team that finished fifth with 70 points.”