Sarri wants more from Chelsea, to be the best team in England

Five games, five wins, and top of the league (on goal difference ahead of Liverpool) — a perfect start Maurizio Sarri’s tenure at Chelsea, with the team showing every week that they are grasping more and more what “Sarrismo” means beyond just the Enciclopedia Italiana description. Their latest effort, a 4-1 dismantling of Cardiff City at the Bridge, was probably the team’s best performance yet, especially in the first half.

But, as ever, there is room for improvement. Chelsea may have a perfect record, but are not perfect on the pitch. And it’s still very early in the season.

“I cannot change my mind for one match. At this moment Liverpool and Manchester City are another step [above] us. But I think we can improve. My target is to be the best team in England, but not in one month. Maybe one season, maybe a little more.”

“But our target is this. But at the moment, I repeat, for me in my opinion Liverpool and City are better than us.”

After five straight goals scored after the 70th minute of games, Chelsea found the back of the net twice in the first half on Saturday. But we also conceded an early goal and looked shaky on set pieces all game. Chelsea may be leading the league in goals scored with 14, but both Liverpool and Manchester City have conceded fewer, while the latter also lead the division in goal difference.

“I think in this moment we are very dangerous in the offensive phase but not so solid in the defensive phase. We need to improve, but we are able to and can do very quickly.”

It’s hard to complain too much after another good, and at times even fun win. That Chelsea are top of the league without playing at the top of their potential can only be a good thing.

“I am very happy [with the winning record] because I thought the beginning would be very difficult.”

“I am very happy because I have good players, not just one. I am lucky. I am very happy to be here and to be in this game.”

-Maurizio Sarri; source: football.london

Hazard’s hat-trick, Giroud’s brace of assists, Willian making a scoring impact off the bench ... these are the things that are making Sarri happy. Long may they continue.