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Chelsea news: Maurizio Sarri fires warning to his players due to Napoli experience
CHELSEA boss Maurizio Sarri has fired a warning to his players due to his past experiences at Napoli.
The Italian and his side welcome Cardiff to Stamford Bridge this afternoon as they attempt to continue their perfect start to the season.
A whole host of Chelsea stars have returned to Cobham this week after featuring for their countries over the international break.
And Sarri knows the recent break may affect the Blues' solid form, as he learned during his time at Napoli.
"I remember in my first season in Naples the average points per match during the season was 2.28, but the average after the international break was only 1.31 or 1.32 so I know that the match after the break is very difficult," he told Chelsea's official website.
I am trying to make my players remember this number and telling them about my experience in this situation
"Fortunately last season the average was the same, 2.40 during the season and 2.45 after the break, but only because after the first season the players understood the difficulty of the match.
"I am trying to make my players remember this number and telling them about my experience in this situation."
Sarri also admits he hasn't enjoyed a break while his players were off representing their countries, mainly due to Chelsea's hectic schedule in the coming weeks.
"No, because we have to play seven matches in 23 days so I had to work," the Italian added, when asked if he had enjoyed some downtime during the international break.
"I’ve seen a lot of matches - Cardiff, PAOK, West Ham, Liverpool - so I had to work.
"Sometimes I do it here at Cobham, sometimes at home.
"They were usually long days but for me it’s a pleasure.
"Sometimes 12 or 13 hours, but for me it’s not work."
Chelsea currently sit second in the table, only missing out on top spot due to goal difference.
However, if Liverpool beat Tottenham in today's early kick-off, the Blues will be three off the top.