Europa League

Maurizio Sarri promises Chelsea changes in Europe

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 03 October 2018

Head coach Maurizio Sarri says that he 'must make changes' to his Chelsea starting lineup for the Europa League fixture with Videoton.

Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri has revealed that he intends to make changes to his side for the Europa League fixture with Videoton on Thursday night.

Sarri opted against making wholesale alterations for the opening encounter with PAOK in Greece, despite the game coming before a London derby with West Ham United and back-to-back contests with Liverpool.

However, Sarri has acknowledged that the recent period has taken its toll - both mentally and physically - and has indicated that he will rest some of his first-team regulars for the game at Stamford Bridge.

At a press conference, the Italian told reporters: "I don't know. I don't think that in West Ham we didn't win because of the match in Greece. We changed a lot of players so I don't think the reason was that.

"Of course tomorrow we need to change some players because we have spent a lot of mental and physical energy in two matches against Liverpool and then after this match we have to play a match again in 62 hours so tomorrow we need to change. I don't know how many players but we need to change."

Sarri has suggested that Ruben Loftus-Cheek should be available to start the game in West London after recovering from injury.