Some input from chelsea fans about sarri
Sorry for the long post.
Chelsea fan here
Sarri didn’t really experiment much in terms of system or formation. He did at times play conservatively/pragmatically when we were playing Liverpool and City.
I’d say his rotation was fine. There were some positions which he rotated quite often like RW, LCM, ST and LB. He rotated a lot more than I think he did with his Napoli team.
The expectations that we had on our SB Nation’s page at the start of the season was to get us back into the top 4, which he did, whilst hopeful integrating some youth players, which he also did.
I think he’ll do better at Juve given that he probably has players better suited his style and a much deeper squad. The Chelsea squad we have now is one of the worst we’ve had in a long time. He might require time to change play style but I’m sure it’ll be a thing to behold once it’s done.
Sure, though admittedly our fan base was pretty split on this
Sarri was fairly consistent in his lineup selections. There were certainly times in the first half of the season that I was frustrated with his refusal to integrate more members of the squad (particularly youth). I do think that was accentuated due to it being his first season, and Chelsea having played a very different system prior to his arrival. I believe with another season, we would have seen him spend more time imprinting his ideas on those outside his top XI. As the season progressed, he incorporated our younger talent well (RLC, Hudson-Odoi), though many of our fans feel it was too little, too late.
As far as experimentation, I found Sarri to be pretty rigid, though he softened on his stubbornness as the season progressed. I think it is really important to him that he gets HIS way of football drilled into the squad. It appeared that as the squad became more comfortable with is base formation and system, he was willing to show more flexibility. I would NOTexpect flexibility early on in the season while he attempts to drill in his style.
For me, Sarri highlighted a growing division in our fan base. I’m not honestly sure I could answer your last question, because the expectations of the fans were so varied. I don’t know how anyone could realistically look at what he inherited, compare it to what he accomplished, and walk away disappointed. Alas, many CFC fans feel exactly that way. It’s my honest belief that our divisiveness led him to feel unwelcome and contribute to his desire to return home, though again, that wouldn’t be unanimous.
I apologize for the long post. All said, the guy gave us everything he had and was largely never given a chance. In the face of that, he always treated our fans, the media and his players with respect. I hope that he at least receives the same in his career ahead.
Good luck!