Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is expecting a tough clash against Liverpool in their Wednesday’s Carabao Cup Third Round clash at Anfield while admitting that it may take a year before his team can match Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp’s team currently hold 100 per cent in the EPL having won their opening six games while Sarri’s men dropped points for the first time this season in a goalless draw at West Ham on Sunday.
“They are a step forward of us at this moment,” Sarri said in a press conference ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool.
“We have to play against a very, very good team, who has worked with the same coach for three years.
“We have started to work together 40 days ago, less 10 days for the international break, so for us it is a bit early. We have to work and then, maybe, in one year we will be at the same level as Liverpool.
“It will be a really difficult match, maybe, spectacular but for us, difficult.” I don’t think there is an easy game against Salah, Firmino and Mane.
The Chelsea boss also hinted he will make changes in the Carabao Cup tie as he did in the Europa League.
“Maybe I will have to change 11 players, maybe only five,” said Sarri.
“They have one day’s rest more than us and I want to see the picture of the situation when we train tomorrow.”
Antonio Rudiger came off against West Ham with a tight hamstring but hopes to be ready for the weekend as does Pedro who missed the game at the London Stadium through injury.
“We need to move the ball quicker,”said Sarri. ‘We need more movement without the ball. We are improving in the defensive phase.
“In the last two or three matches, we have done very well, but we have to improve in the offensive phase, especially in this kind of match.”