MX23RW : Friday, February 22 21:04:12

Azpilicueta hopes to lift the Chelsea mood with three season-defining matches

Azpilicueta hopes to lift the Chelsea mood with three season-defining matches
© Reuters
The Chelsea supporters voiced their frustration with manager Maurizio Sarri during FA Cup defeat against Manchester United.

Cesar Azpilicueta wants to bring joy to the Chelsea supporters whose frustration with head coach Maurizio Sarri is growing by the game.

Monday's 2-0 loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup featured chanting against Sarri, whose position is under scrutiny following a series of embarrassing results.

There is no shame in losing to United, but the supporters voiced frustrations over Sarri's stubborn refusal to compromise on his possession-based style and 4-3-3 formation.

  • February 21: Malmo (H)
  • February 24: Man City (N)
  • February 27: Tottenham (H)

There is no time to dwell on the loss, however, with Malmo visiting in Thursday's Europa League last-32 second leg before Sunday's Carabao Cup final with Manchester City.

Chelsea then face Tottenham on February 27 in their first Premier League game since the humiliating 6-0 loss at City on February 10.

"Hopefully we can have a good nine days. It's the whole season," Azpilicueta told Chelsea TV.

Maurizio Sarri and Cesar Azpilicueta
Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri and captain Cesar Azpilicueta face a defining period (Adam Davy/PA)

"Now in three days we will be back at the Bridge against Malmo, to finish the job we started last Thursday, to get through to the next round.

"Then we have two massive games. We know that a trophy in the middle is everything, to bring the fans back to Wembley with the spirit to get the cup.

"Hopefully we can give a bit of happiness to them, to enjoy a bit of joy. Then we know Tottenham at home is something special."

Cesar Azpilicueta
Cesar Azpilicueta believes Chelsea lacked attacking edge in Monday's FA Cup loss to Manchester United (Adam Davy/PA)

Chelsea had numerous problems against United, but Azpilicueta highlighted the lack of incision in the final third, something which has been a regular problem for Sarri's side.

The captain said: "It has been a tough night. We didn't put Manchester in difficulties even at 2-0 down.

"We were not very good in the final metres, so we paid (for) that. And at the end we couldn't score."


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Raheem Sterling celebrates his second goal and Manchester City's sixth in the Premier League meeting with Chelsea on February 10, 2019
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City27212474205465
2Liverpool26205159154465
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs26200654252960
4Manchester UnitedMan Utd26156552351751
5Arsenal26155653371650
6Chelsea26155645291650
7Watford2711793534140
8Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2611693433139
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham27106113440-636
10Everton2796123639-333
11Bournemouth26103133747-1033
12Leicester CityLeicester2695123134-332
13Crystal Palace2676132734-727
14Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2676132839-1127
15Burnley2676132947-1827
16Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2667132234-1225
17Cardiff CityCardiff2774162448-2425
18Southampton2659122844-1624
19Fulham2745182660-3417
20Huddersfield TownHuddersfield2625191448-3411

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