Maurizio Sarri admitted Alvaro Morata badly needs to score to boost his confidence after more frustration in front of goal.
The striker missed chances to score during Chelsea’s Europa League win against PAOK before being substituted with 10 minutes left.
Morata has managed one goal this season and failed to add to that tally despite his team dominating most of the game in Greece.
“Alvaro has to gain confidence with one, two, three goals,” head coach Morata said.
“I am not able to give him confidence. In this match he has had three or four opportunities. The confidence can come only with goals.
“I have to say also, for maybe the first time in this season, Alvaro was ready in the box. He was on the ball and was active.”
Chelsea were more comfortable than the 1-0 scoreline might suggest.
Willian’s seventh-minute goal put them ahead and they controlled the game until a spell of late pressure by the hosts.
“I think we were in control of the match for 90 minutes,” Sarri said.
“I am happy with the result but we had a lot of opportunities and didn’t kill the match.”
Pedro went off in the final seconds with a nasty-looking shoulder injury but Sarri does not believe the problem is serious.
This post was last modified on 08/11/2018