Chelsea should not assume their appeal is greater than Roma’s

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is again being linked to Roma. Do not assume that Chelsea’s appeal is greater than what the Italian side could offer.

Maurizio Sarri has met the standard and brought Champions League Football back to Stamford Bridge. But things are not all rosy. It is hard to deny just how utterly dire things became for much of the season due to his decision making. It is hard to deny that the squad needs a rework to succeed with Sarri and time will not yield results. And there is of course, the impending transfer ban at some point that will impede that notion. Not to mention how the fan base remains split over him and that is unlikely to change.

Back in Italy, Roma is again sniffing around Sarri. Antonio Conte has supposedly turned the side down so they have returned to the idea of Sarri. Back when Sarri seemed on the verge of the sack, they kept a close watch on things but then diverted to Conte as an easier run won Sarri more time. But now Sarri is priority one for them once more.

There is a sense among many Chelsea fans that there is no way that Sarri would “drop” down to Roma’s level. It is a mistaken one. Sarri could easily opt to bounce back to Italy and it would make sense. No one should assume he would remain at Chelsea on his own volition.

First of all are the fans. Sarri has made little connection with the fans and vice versa. He seemed bothered by their chants against him. It is a losing battle. Chelsea has always had high expectations. Even in the new Chelsea, those expectations at least demand some fight and Chelsea has often wilted this season.

Furthermore, this needs cash to work. The current squad, even reinforced with the loan army, will not change the fortunes of the club from this season. At least three if not more world class players will be needed and with the ban, there is no guarantee of that.

Then there is the Roma side of things. Roma has a squad full of young talent brought in by Monchi. They have yet to replace him as technical director, but they seem to be leading the race in every rumor with any name. They may or may not have Champions League football next season, but they have a very strong foundation and could have a very strong process to build themselves up.

Not to mention the rumors of Qatar Sports Investments growing tired with Paris Saint Germain’s failures. They remain hard to believe, but if a scenario occurred where Sarri left for Roma, it would likely be with the information that Qatar Sports Investments is jumping projects to Italy.

And perhaps the simplest reason of all would be going home. Conte also struggled living in England and eventually struggled on the field as well. Sarri’s style is already a known success in Italy and the manger would likely feel more comfortable.

Inevitably, someone will say “Chelsea is just a bigger club than Roma” which is unfortunately no longer true. Chelsea can no more easily qualify for Champions League or win silverware than Roma can. The Blues have hardly attracted names in recent windows that Roma could not. At this juncture, one club seems at best stagnate and the other on the rise.

That is not to say that Sarri would jump ship at the first call. But do not assume that he would reject the notion forever. And no not assume that Chelsea would put up a fight to hold on to him. Keep an eye on these rumors because much like Sarri to Chelsea last summer, they are simmering into something that could boil over.