A FUMING Maurizio Sarri issued a shock ultimatum to Chelsea – that he would rather quit “immediately” if his future rests on beating Arsenal in the Europa League final.
Sarri has seen speculation about his job mount, with Juventus looking to the Italian to replace Max Allegri as their next boss, and Chelsea apparently ready to let him go if the Serie A club pay around £5 million.
The Italian’s situation is still uncertain, despite steering Chelsea into the Champions League in his first season and reaching two cup finals, including the clash against Arsenal in Baku next week.
But there is speculation that if he loses against the Gunners, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich could swing the axe, with fans unhappy about the style of football played in an up and down campaign.
“You cannot have ten months of work, and then I have to play for everything in 90 minutes.
“It's not right. It's not the right way. You're either happy about my work or you're not happy.”
The former Napoli coach, who only arrived at Stamford Bridge last July, added: “My future is Wednesday.
“I need to think only about the Europa League final. I have two years of contract left here, so I have no contact with other clubs.
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri could leave the club (Image: GETTY)
“I have to speak to the club after the final. I want to know if they are happy with me or not.
“We had a good season, with problems of course. We lost two or three matches very, very badly. But we finished the league in third position. We got to the final of the League Cup, and now we are in the Europa League final.
“So the season is a very good season. If we win in Baku, it will become a wonderful season.
“This group deserve to continue to try to improve more.”
Chelsea were forced to pay £9 million in compensation to previous manager Antonio Conte, who was sacked after two years in charge.
Abramovich’s reign has been merciless to managers - Jose Mourinho in his second spell in charge lasted just two and a half years. Carlo Ancelotti was axed after two years, Andre Villa Boas after nine months, Luiz Felipe Scolari after eight.
Sarri, who came close to the sack himself in January as results plummeted and fans turned against him, insisted: “I like the Premier League. It's the most important championship in the world. It's very exciting to be here.
“I'm very happy to stay. Chelsea are one of the most important clubs in the Premier League. But in every season you have to discuss the situation with the club.
“I think we can play my football here. We got in trouble in January and in the Premier League, but we were able to react. Now our feeling is we deserve to win. We want a trophy for our group.”
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