Chelsea star Olivier Giroud reveals what Maurizio Sarri told team BEFORE Europa League win
CHELSEA forward Olivier Giroud has lifted the lid on Maurizio Sarri’s message to his team before the Europa League win over Malmo.
Posted Friday, February 22, 2019 by Express.co.uk
The Blues beat their Swedish opponents 3-0 to book their place in the last 16 of the competition.
Goals from Giroud, Ross Barkley and Callum Hudson-Odoi have Chelsea an emphatic 5-1 aggregate win.
And that has alleviated some pressure on Sarri ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday.
Giroud revealed the Italian had a specific style he wanted his Chelsea side to employ to secure victory at Stamford Bridge.
"We needed some confidence back and a good win, especially to reassure ourselves defensively with a clean sheet,” the Frenchman said.
"We were strong defensively and ambitious up front. It was a good night, we finished the job well and now we can focus on the next game.
"We were expecting them to press us high, with a compact block in midfield, so it was difficult to find a solution but we kept playing.
"The manager said to play quickly, we played through the lines, then in the second half they were a bit tired.
"It's good for confidence but now we need momentum. We need to play it as a final and learn from the mistakes we made in the league against them (Manchester City). I'm sure we will do well against them.”
Chelsea booked their place in the last 16 of the Europa League (Image: GETTY)
Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud netted against Malmo (Image: GETTY)
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is under pressure at Stamford Bridge (Image: GETTY)
Callum Hudson-Odoi was also happy with the result and hopes he impressed Sarri.
The 18-year-old was given a rare opportunity from the start against Malmo and took his chance.
"I’m happy with the result. We all worked hard and played really well,” Hudson-Odoi explained.
"Our mentality was strong. We paced ourselves and we deserved the win. The goal is a bonus for the work that the team did today.
"Hopefully I did well and made an impact.
Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi was handed a rare start for Chelsea (Image: GETTY)
"We are strong enough to beat any team [in this competition].”
Sarri is under severe pressure at Chelsea with Zinedine Zidane and Frank Lampard both being linked with his job.
That’s after an FA Cup defeat to Manchester United and a 6-0 thumping at the hands of City.
Sarri will be desperate to avoid a repeat performance on Sunday in the Carabao Cup final as he seeks his first trophy for the club.
Chelsea will find out their next Europa League opponents tomorrow when the draw is made at midday.
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