Chelsea must show an immediate reaction to their 6-0 Premier League drubbing at Manchester City, manager Maurizio Sarri has said.
He said, “I have held an hour-long discussion with the players to dissect the loss.”
Chelsea’s capitulation at the Etihad Stadium was their worst defeat in Premier League history and the London club have dropped to sixth in the standings.
The pressure has since mounted on Sarri, who conducted a similar hour-long inquest in the dressing room after their 4-0 league defeat at Bournemouth.
Sarri told reporters ahead of Thursday’s Europa League last 32 clash at Swedish side, Malmo.
“We talked all together for one hour the day after the match. I think that it is better to work, better to react on the pitch.
“The last game was not a problem of motivation. We were not able to react to the first difficulty during the match because we started well. Then, after the first goal, we could not react.
“So, the problem is different. But it is always a mind problem, a mental problem. And we need to solve them.
“Malmo, who does not start their Swedish league season until April, is playing their first game of the year but Sarri believes their defensive shape will cause Chelsea problems.
“They are compact, they are solid. They usually have a very good defensive phase, so it will not be easy. But we want to win and react immediately.” (Reuters/NAN)