Chelsea’s Pre-Match Ritual Unveiled by Gary Cahill: A Peculiar Drill by Sarri
Former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill has shed light on a bizarre pre-match ritual that Maurizio Sarri enforced on the players during his tenure at the club. According to Cahill, the Italian manager was extremely superstitious and insisted on a peculiar drill that left the players scratching their heads.
Sarri, who managed Chelsea during the 2018-19 season, led the team to a third-place finish in the Premier League and clinched the Europa League title with a convincing 4-1 victory over Arsenal before departing for Juventus. Despite his success on the pitch, Cahill was not overly complimentary of Sarri, particularly referring to him as “boring” during a conversation on John Obi Mikel’s ‘One One’ podcast.
The drill in question involved a repetitive routine that Cahill found puzzling. He described the exercise as involving the players standing still, passing the ball back to one of the center-backs, placing a foot on it, and then smashing it diagonally as if it were a restart of a game. Cahill expressed his confusion over the necessity of practicing the same drill repeatedly, especially with seasoned international players who should have mastered such basics after a single session.
Despite the lack of tangible benefits from the drill, Cahill humorously suggested that it may have improved their throw-ins if they overcooked the pass. The former Chelsea defender highlighted Sarri’s superstitious nature and the team’s consistent practice of the drill before every match, which Cahill found increasingly baffling as time went on.
Unraveling the Mystery of ‘Sarriball’
One of the lingering mysteries surrounding Maurizio Sarri’s coaching philosophy at Chelsea was the concept of ‘Sarriball,’ a term that Cahill admitted he never quite grasped. The English defender, who made only eight appearances in his final season under Sarri, reflected on the tactical nature of the manager’s approach and his own confusion about the playing style.
Cahill’s remarks shed light on the disconnect between Sarri’s ideas and the players’ understanding of them, particularly as communication often relied on a translator. Despite leading Chelsea back to the Champions League and securing a trophy, Sarri failed to win over the fans or the players with his methods, leaving a lingering sense of ambiguity around his coaching philosophy.
Sarri’s departure to Juventus in a £7 million compensation deal raised eyebrows, especially following his successful stint at Napoli. However, his tenure at Juventus was short-lived, as he was sacked after being eliminated from the Champions League by Lyon in the last 16, a result that ultimately led to his dismissal despite winning the Serie A title in the 2019-20 season.
The Legacy of Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea
Sarri’s time at Chelsea may have been marked by mixed reviews, but his impact on the club’s playing style and tactical approach cannot be overlooked. Despite the confusion surrounding ‘Sarriball’ and the peculiar pre-match drills, Sarri’s legacy at Chelsea is a testament to his unwavering belief in his methods and his commitment to success on the pitch.
As Gary Cahill’s revelations offer a glimpse into the inner workings of Sarri’s coaching regime, it becomes evident that the Italian manager’s superstitious nature and tactical intricacies may have been lost on some of the players. However, his desire for consistency and adherence to routine showcased a level of dedication that ultimately led to silverware during his brief tenure at Stamford Bridge.
In conclusion, Maurizio Sarri’s time at Chelsea may have been overshadowed by his departure and subsequent struggles at Juventus, but his legacy lives on in the memories of the players who experienced his unique coaching style firsthand. While ‘Sarriball’ may remain a mystery to some, the impact of his methods and his unwavering belief in his approach will forever be a part of Chelsea’s history.
