'Sarri deserves another chance at Chelsea' - Leboeuf backs second season for Blues boss

Maurizio Sarri “should have another chance” at Chelsea, says Frank Leboeuf, with the Italian having overcome criticism to secure a top-four finish and potential Europa League triumph.

Questions have been asked of the Premier League coaching debutant throughout his first year in English football.

‘Sarri-ball’ was initially embraced, but selection and tactical calls have bemused many at Stamford Bridge as the season has progressed.

Chelsea have, however, graced the final of the Carabao Cup and could be in contention for more major silverware at the end of a continental charge.

With Champions League qualification already secured for 2019-20, Leboeuf believes Sarri should be trusted to guide the Blues towards a brighter future.

A man who spent five years at Stamford Bridge in his playing days said in The Daily Mirror: “I am always the kind of guy who likes to give a second chance, because it was the case everywhere in England with all clubs that I saw.

“Even if they had a bad season they kept their coach because they tried to work on their abilities.

“Now it seems that after a year, if it is not good it’s, ‘Goodbye’.

“But at the end of the day, if Chelsea win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League then he deserves another chance.

“I didn’t agree with everything he decided, like changing N’Golo Kante for example from a holding midfield player to a midfielder on the side.

“But if you decide to get a guy because you believe he can bring something to your club, he should have more than a year to get the results.

“If he finishes well he should have another chance.”

Sarri has stated that he expects to be back for a second season in west London.

He also believes that he will have Chelsea challenging for the Premier League title at some stage in the near future.

Leboeuf has previously questioned the Blues’ penchant for Italian bosses, claiming that they should favour a different approach in their next appointment, but appears to be relaxing his stance.

Chelsea will be back in continental action on Thursday when they take in the second leg of a Europa League semi-final clash with Eintracht Frankfurt that is currently locked at 1-1.

Sarri’s side will then complete their domestic campaign away at Leicester City on Sunday.