Sarri ‘bombs out’ of last training as Chelsea face Arsenal in UEFA Europa Cup final clash at Baku

Maurizio Sarri has thrown Chelsea’s Europa League final preparations into turmoil by storming out of their last training session in Baku.

The Italian coach appeared to be enraged by a row between Gonzalo Higuain and David Luiz, before departing the field before the end of the session.

Sarri threw his cap to the floor in disgust before kicking it away as he headed for the tunnel, leaving his players stranded on the pitch.  

After a couple of robust challenges, Higuain and Luiz exchanged words for an extended period during the evening training match but Sarri made the situation all the more dramatic when he threw his cap to the ground in frustration as he trooped off the pitch.

The club insisted the row between Luiz and Higuain was not the reason for Sarri’s ire.

A Chelsea spokesman said: ‘Maurizio’s frustration displayed at the end of training was not related to any of his players, but was due to not being able to practise set-plays in the final 15 minutes of the hour-long training session as it remained open to media.’

The dramatic scenes come just hours after the Italian told the media that he loves all of his players.

Sarri said: ‘For me, at the beginning of the season, it was really very difficult to understand my players, to understand the mentality. 

‘But, after a very difficult month in January, in February they started to change, I think. Or probably I changed, I don’t know. 

‘In this moment, I love them because I have 20-22 wonderful men, and wonderful players. So now I’m really very happy with them. And, of course, I have to consider it for the future.’ 

The incident followed Sarri’s admission that he may be considering his future at Chelsea amid sustained interest from Juventus.  

Sarri’s immaturity brought back memories of his antics on the Wembley touchline when he almost stormed down the tunnel after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizbalaga refused to be substituted ahead of a penalty shootout in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

Sportsmail columnist Martin Keown observed events from the television gantry and said on BT Sport: ‘This is where he is very wrong, the manager. Because no one knew there was anything particularly wrong until he acts like that. He’s a little bit too emotional.

‘I know he’s disappointed with his players. He’s thinking, ‘Why are they not all getting on together?’

‘He either loves them or he hates them. He has to be middle ground, as the manager. If he’s going to continue in that job, it’s going to take him to an early grave. Because those players will test you.

Sarri’s latest drama is particularly interesting amid a growing sense he may be set for a summer move to Juventus.

The Turin club are searching for a new manager amid the departure of Massimiliano Allegri and are targeting Sarri following his success at Napoli.

Sarri, who is only one year into a three-year deal with the club, will hold talks with Chelsea after the final.

The Italian said: ‘I want to think only about the final. Then I have a contract with Chelsea for two years. So, first of all, I will speak with Chelsea. My players need that I speak only about the final.’

Maurizio Sarri tossed his cap away in disgust before kicking it away as he left the field in Baku

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