Sarri Says He Is Getting Used to Chelsea Fans’ Boos After Unconvincing Win

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri says he is becoming accustomed to criticism from supporters after his side struggled to a 2-1 victory over relegation-threatened Cardiff City.

Chelsea needed a controversial equaliser from captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who appeared to be in an offside position, before Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored an injury-time winner.

The result kept Chelsea sixth in the Premier League and maintained their hopes of securing a top-four finish.

Sarri faced heavy criticism from travelling supporters after leaving Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante on the bench.

When Cardiff took the lead shortly after half-time, some Chelsea fans chanted for Sarri to leave and questioned his decisions.

“I can understand the fans’ reaction very well,” Sarri said.

“Unfortunately, in the last period, I am getting used to this. I have to work in order to change their opinion. If you win matches, the fans will be happy.”

Pressure on the Italian had increased following a difficult run of results, including heavy defeats to Bournemouth and Manchester City as well as a loss to Everton.

Despite the criticism, Sarri insisted he wanted to remain at Chelsea and improve the team.

“I want to stay,” he said. “When I arrived, this team was 30 points behind Manchester City. They were fifth. So I want to stay here and improve the results.”

Chelsea were scheduled to return to Premier League action against Brighton and Hove Albion.