Chelsea appoint Maurizio Sarri as new head coach

English Premier League (EPL) club Chelsea on Saturday announced the appointment of Italy's Maurizio Sarri as new head coach for the next three seasons, after he spent three seasons at Napoli.

Sarri, 59, succeeds countryman Antonio Conte, who was sacked after two years at Stamford Bridge, a spell that saw the Blues winning the Premier League title in 2016-2017, but wrapping up last season in the fifth spot, 30 points behind Manchester City, the champions, reported Efe.

"I am very happy to be coming to Chelsea and the Premier League. It is an exciting new period in my career," Sarri said.

"I hope we can provide some entertaining football for our fans, and that we will be competing for trophies at the end of the season, which is what this club deserves," he added.

Although not yet won a major trophy in his coaching career, Sarri has had three successful seasons at Napoli, leading the team to finish runners-up once and third twice in Serie A.

The club's director Marina Granovskaia welcomed the signing: "Maurizio's Napoli side played some of the most exciting football in Europe, impressing with their attacking approach and dynamism, and his coaching methods significantly improved the players at his disposal."

Sarri's task in the upcoming season will be leading Chelsea back to the Champions League after the London club had a disappointing fifth-place finish last season.

--IANS

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