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14 May 2019

Hasselbaink: EL Final Key For Sarri  (Sky Sports)

Maurizio SarriJimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says Maurizio Sarri's first season at Chelsea is a success if they win the Europa League.

Sarri has come in for some criticism since taking charge at Stamford Bridge but has guided Chelsea to a first European final since their 2013 Europa League win.

With Champions League football already secured for next season thanks to a third-place finish, former Chelsea forward Hasselbaink says Sarri's first season at Chelsea will be a success if they beat Arsenal in Baku on May 29.

"At the start of the season a Champions League place was the aim and [Sarri] has got that in finishing in third," said Hasselbaink.

"They had the League Cup final - that they lost to Man City on penalties - and the FA Cup, where they [reached the fifth round].

"If they win the Europa League final it's been a successful season for Chelsea."

With increasing speculation concerning star man Eden Hazard's possible departure to Real Madrid, along with a transfer ban to contend with, it could be difficult for Sarri to replicate this season's performance.

But Hasselbaink insists Chelsea need to kick on and said: "It's a start.

"From where they came from it's a big improvement. Now they need to improve again for next year. They need to be title contenders."



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