Maurizio Sarri had a successful one-season tenure as Chelsea’s head coach before deciding to return to Italy and take over at Juventus. Appointed in July 2018 to replace Antonio Conte, Sarri quickly made an impact.
Under his leadership, Chelsea secured a top-four Premier League finish, won the UEFA Europa League, and reached the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Sarri achieved a 61.9% win rate, with 39 wins in 63 matches across all competitions.
Despite these accomplishments, Sarri chose to leave Chelsea after just one season. In hindsight, the 65-year-old admitted that his departure was a mistake. Reports suggest that Sarri’s decision was influenced by political controversies surrounding Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, which reportedly created an uncomfortable atmosphere for the Italian coach and made him reluctant to extend his stay.
Sarri himself acknowledged feeling pressured and uncertain during this period. Rather than discussing a potential contract extension, he accepted the offer from Juventus, a decision he later described as a reaction to his discomfort. He admitted that the sense of “panic” he felt led to a hasty choice, despite the success and momentum Chelsea had under his guidance.
In retrospect, Sarri’s time at Chelsea is seen as a success. His accomplishments included winning European silverware, securing Champions League qualification, and introducing his unique playing style.
However, his decision to leave so soon, coupled with his later regrets, highlights the complexities of managing under intense pressure and the personal factors that shape decisions in professional football. While his stint in London was brief, Sarri left a lasting mark on the club’s success during the 2018–19 season.
