Sarri stands by his team selection for Chelsea defeat
Maurizio Sarri has defended his team selection in the wake of Chelsea’s shock defeat against Wolves.
The Blues went down 2-1 at Molineux, where Sarri made five changes to the side – no doubt with this weekend’s showdown with Manchester City in mind.
Chelsea were woeful in the second half as Wolves, who had lost five of their previous six matches, hit back after Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s deflected opener.
However, Sarri insisted the result was down to complacency on the part of his players rather than his choices.
Asked if he was happy with the changes he made, Sarri said: “If you asked me the same question after 55 minutes I would say yes, I was very happy.
“I don’t think it depends on the changes. It depends on the mentality of the team.”
Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota struck in four second-half minutes to stun the visitors, who now sit 10 points behind Premier League leaders City.
Chelsea, who are fourth, host leaders City on Saturday and Sarri was annoyed at their complacency.
“After this match we are less confident but maybe it’s better because sometimes my players show me that they have too much confidence,” he said.
“I am really very worried, not for the result but the fact that after the first goal we conceded we did not react very well. I am really very worried for this, not for the result.
“We played well for 55 minutes. After the goal for 1-1, which was an accident because we were in full control of the match, we were suddenly another team without the right distances and without our football.
“I don’t know why. I don’t think it depended on the changes, it depended on the mentality of the team.
“I saw a team without a reaction. You can lose a match but not without a reaction.”
Sarri also conceded City are out of sight with his side battling for a Champions League spot.
He said: “Manchester City are in another category. We have to play and fight for the top four. It is a very difficult result for the top four.”
