Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Chelsea news: Hasselbaink aims dig at Antonio Conte in Maurizio Sarri praise
CHELSEA hero Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has aimed a sly dig at former Blues boss Antonio Conte.
Antonio Conte 'in talks' with Real Madrid claims pundit
Conte was sacked as Chelsea head coach in the summer after two years at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian won the Premier League in his first campaign but found life much tougher in his second season, falling out with a number of players in his squad.
Conte was replaced by countryman Maurizio Sarri in the world’s worst kept managerial secret.
Sarri has had a fine start to life at Chelsea having lost just one game so far - the Community Shield to Manchester City in August.
The way they play football at the moment is exceptional to watch and really enjoyable
The former Napoli boss has changed the formation that Antonio Conte played, from a 3-4-3 to a 4-3-3.
Hasselbaink heaped praise on Sarri ahead of Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup victory over Derby.
The former striker claimed Sarri has improved the style of football the Blues play since he has come in.
And he reckons the players look happier playing under him.
“This club is well-known now for winning trophies. It’s important,” Hasselbaink said on Sky Sports.
“With all due respect, (Sarri’s) changed a lot and for the good.
“The way they play football at the moment is exceptional to watch and really enjoyable.
“But it will come to winning something at this club, that is what you need to do.
“He will be given time, a little bit more than normal because he is playing good football, and people like it.
“The boys are happy because they’re playing with that ball everyday.
“But, coming back again, you have to win something and the Carabao Cup is one to get off to a good start to win this one.”