Maurizio Sarri insists he isn't worried about the growing backlash from the Chelsea fanbase despite admitting he has never heard supporters sing "f*** Sarri-ball" before.
The Chelsea boss was subjected to boos at half-time during his side's 2-0 FA Cup fifth-round loss to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, with Blues fans also making their feelings known when the Italian took off Mateo Kovacic for Ross Barkley and later sent on Davide Zappacosta - whose last appearance came against Nottingham Forest back on January 5.
To make matters worse for Sarri, chants of "F*** Sarri-ball" could be heard around the Bridge - which the Chelsea manager admitted afterwards he has never heard before.
When asked if he was worried about the fans' negative reaction during the game, Sarri replied: "No, I am worried about the results. Not about the fans.
"I can understand the situation and our fans, because the result wasn't really good.
"We are out of the FA Cup, so I can understand our fans. But I am worried at the moment about our results."
When then asked if he could hear what the Chelsea fans were chanting and if he had ever heard a derogatory chant aimed at him before, Sarri replied: "Not really very well, but sometimes yes.
"No. For everything, there is a first time."
Sarri now faces a decisive set of fixtures, with Chelsea hosting Malmo in the Europa League on Thursday night before taking on Manchester City in the League Cup final - just a few weeks after Pep Guardiola's side thrashed the Blues 6-0 in the Premier League.
Chelsea, who dropped into sixth place following that defeat to City, then take on a Tottenham side who are flying high.
Yet, despite the negative mood currently surrounding the Blues, Sarri said he remains hopeful of turning things around.
"It's really very easy [to change the mood]. If we are able to win three or four matches in a row, it will be really very easy. It's difficult to win five matches in a row."
