Mateo Kovacic recently revealed how Maurizio Sarri’s influence helped him in joining Chelsea on loan. Earlier in the transfer market, the Croatian gave a clear indication that he wanted to leave Real Madrid after he failed to break into their first team on a regular basis.
Talking on how he came on a decision to join the Blues he said,”First of all it was important that after three years of inconsistency in playing time in Madrid I’ve got into a team that wants me and a coach that wants and trust me. That’s how Chelsea happened. That’s what I really need now, as I said earlier I’m feeling really good and I want to keep it that way. He(Sarri) knows me for a long time. I’ve watched a lot of his games, he likes to play and that’s what matters in my opinion. The squad is phenomenal with many great players that’s why it wasn’t so hard to adapt quick.’’
The Blues are off to a good start under their new manager as they won both of their games. Kovacic came on as a substitute in the two games and looked impressive while he was on the pitch.
Sarri has so far preferred Ross Barkley over the Croatian midfielder but it likely so because the Englishman was available throughout the pre-season and Kovacic joined the squad late after his move from the Spanish capital. We can slowly expect him to start games in the next few matches.
Read More: Should Chelsea Start This 31 Y/O World Cup Winner Over Morata For The Next Few Games?
This goes to show how much of an influence a manager has in luring a player at a particular club. Willian even went on to claim that if Antonio Conte had stayed, he would have left the club. Maybe we can see the new manager get the best out of someone like Kovacic and others this season.
