Chelsea’s captain Cesar Azpilicueta broke silence on Maurizio Sarri’s sacking speculations after the side scraped a 2-1 win over Cardiff City.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Ruben Loftus-Cheek rescued Chelsea in their game against Cardiff City on Sunday night, as the side overturned a goal’s deficit.
Refereeing decisions in the game came under significant criticism, with Cardiff’s manager Neil Warnock attacking the officials for letting the team down.
However, the result couldn’t mask Chelsea’s frustrating performance and the fans were quite vocal about Maurizio Sarri’s criticism throughout the afternoon. At one point in the game, a section of Chelsea supporters even sang about sacking the Italian manager.
Maurizio Sarri’s future came under the cloud after the side’s humiliating 6-0 defeat to Manchester City earlier this year. Chelsea are currently at sixth in the Premier League table.
Cesar Azpilicueta, one of the goalscorers against Chelsea, has now responded to claims about Maurizio Sarri’s future at the club, and also gave a message to the fans.
Azpilicueta on Maurizio Sarri:
The Chelsea captain stated that the fans need to unite and support the side, and admitted that the performances have been lacklustre of late.
“We have to give the fans what they expect and the bad moments are when we all need to be together,” the Chelsea defender began.
“We are not happy with the way we are playing and we have lost a lot of points, especially away from home. We are all in the same boat and will push in the same direction.
“I know the fans want us to win, and when the results are not there, we are all responsible.”
“They showed their thoughts but our job is to keep working hard.”
Azpilicueta praised the side’s effort after being down against Cardiff City, and urged the players to continue with the same intensity in the upcoming games.
“We showed great spirit, we didn’t give up, and in the last 10 minutes we turned it around,” Azpilicueta said.
We got the three points but we have to look at ourselves, and if we want to achieve our targets we have to improve. On Wednesday from the first minute, we have to create a good atmosphere on the pitch.
“I know the fans will be behind us, but we have to give them what they want – fighting spirit, great football, and scoring goals.
“That’s what we both want and we have to pull in the same direction.”
How Twitter reacted..
AZPI: FAN ANGER UNDERSTANDABLE
Cesar Azpilicueta gives his thoughts on life under Maurizio Sarri, why he can understand anger from the stands and why he was pleased to see Eden Hazard come off the bench yesterday.
More here: https://t.co/PXxPz2C6f4 pic.twitter.com/PiGj47mxJE
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 1, 2019
The officiating in this country is a disgrace. Cardiff putting everything on the line only to be robbed by a goal where Azpilicueta is miles offiside.
— Simply Utd (@SimplyUtd) March 31, 2019
“We have to give them something to enjoy on the pitch. With recent performances it is normal they are not happy”
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 1, 2019
What next?
Chelsea return to action on Wednesday night as the side takes on Brighton.