Pedro Rodriguez has admitted implementing Maurizio Sarri’s style of football is ”so difficult” as Chelsea bid to rebound following their 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City.
The Blues face Swedish side Malmo in the Europa League, with the first leg at the Stadion.
And the Spaniard has explained the concept behind Sarri’s ideas and why ‘Sarri-ball’ is so tricky to implement.
“All the team follows the idea of Maurizio: press really high, stay compact, and to create chances. With good possession, a lot of the ball. We can do this as a team,” Pedro explained.
“But sometimes it’s so difficult to play in this way. It depends upon the opponents. City played very well, so it was so difficult to press, to create between the lines and to defend.
“But it’s Maurizio’s idea, and I prefer to press high when we recover the ball to create chances, not to wait for 90 minutes to recover the ball and run 60 metres to score the goal.
“In the last few games it’s not been in very good condition for the results. Now is a good opportunity tomorrow to win and get our best confidence.”
Speculation has surfaced over a toxic dressing room at Chelsea, but Pedro has rejected the notion the players are working against Sarri.
“I think it is always difficult for every manager, when you arrive with good motivation and ambition,” Pedro added. “It’s not just in the Chelsea dressing-room. For all coaches, it’s difficult.
“It’s not good for [Sarri] and the team because the results have not been good, but it’s good for us to change this dynamic now.
“It’s good for us going into the final against City, the FA Cup against United. In the league, it’s difficult for us to hit our targets, but we’re still in four competitions.
“That’s good for us. It’s too early to analyse the season. We do that at the end of the season. Malmo is a good opportunity.”
