Emerson understands but not entirely happy with Sarri’s decision to leave Chelsea

Maurizio Sarri’s rather short reign at Stamford Bridge was certainly not short on controversy, infighting, and hot takes in every corner of the media and the fanbase, but despite those turbulent waters, Chelsea somehow still emerged in third place and with a European trophy to boot!

That wasn’t enough to convince either Chelsea or Sarri to continue the relationship and thus, we’re once again looking for a new manager.

For Emerson Palmieri, who had gone from strictly a backup to Marcos Alonso to starting at left back in the Europa League final during the course of the season, Sarri’s departure is an opportunity missed. While he understands that the coach did not have it easy, and that the season wore him down just as he did many others directly or indirectly involved, Emerson believes a second season would’ve been much better than the first ... and the first wasn’t so bad on the face of it!

“It’s difficult because we had a really good season. Also because it was his first season in England, in the Premier League ... it’s hard. I believe it was a very tiresome season for him. But we finished third in the Premier League, we won the Europa League, we reached the League Cup final...”

“I think he did a good job, but maybe it was like he said, that he wanted to return to Italy to be closer to his family. So looking at Chelsea’s situation, maybe it would’ve been better for him to stay with us after such a good first season, since the second season could have been even better.

“But then there’s his personal situation of wanting to move back to Italy, and also joining a big club such as Juventus...”

-Emerson Palmieri; source: ESPN Brasil

Now officially the Juventus head coach, Sarri’s been linked with moves for a couple Chelsea players already, including Emerson himself. But the 24-year-old has not wavered in his commitment to Chelsea so far this summer, and he was clearly chuffed to finish the season on such a high note and play such an integral part in winning the Europa League.

Of course, now there’s a new man coming in to take charge, so the need to convince begins anew (for Alonso, too, obviously)...

“I’m happy at Chelsea, we won the Europa League and I am calm. I didn’t receive any call, I am happy here. There is nothing to say, I am focused on Chelsea.”

-Emerson; source: ESPN Brasil via Metro

P.S.: Emerson also revealed the moment he realized that Eden Hazard was truly gone from Chelsea, in a story that’s equal parts sentimental and touching, and also a fascinating sign of our technology-centric times.

“On the WhatsApp group, the last move there was Hazard’s farewell. He said goodbye to the boys and such, since then, we don’t know anything else. It’s weird.

“He sent a ‘thank you, I love you guys’, and then it showed “Eden Hazard left the group”.

“I said damn, he really left.”

-Emerson; source: ESPN Brasil via Metro