Maurizio Sarri says he is contemplating quitting smoking after watching his Chelsea side secure a second win from two Premier League games.
Sarri was craving a cigarette at the half-time whistle as Chelsea relinquished a two-goal lead in the first half of Saturday’s 3-2 win over Arsenal.
Known for being a chain smoker at the best of times, the prophane Neapolitan Coach explained that his side’s struggles against Arsenal were difficult to bear.
The Blues took a 2-0 lead against their London rivals, only to lose focus in the final 15 minutes of the first half, allowing the Gunners to level their Matchday 2 match.
The 59-year-old Italian, a heavy smoker unable to satisfy his habit on the touchline due to the smoking ban, was grateful for Eden Hazard setting up Marcos Alonso’s 81st-minute winner.
And afterwards Sarri said he was planning to make up for the abstinence in the evening before then saying he was going to quit altogether.
Asked how he managed his cravings during the match and if he smoked at half-time and immediately afterwards, prior to his media commitments, Sarri said: “No, I will smoke in the evening I think.”
Sarri was reluctant to discuss his habit and when pressed on the matter his response was jovial, but whether it was a joke or serious was uncertain.
He said: “I’m going to stop. Just for one or two years, then I will start again.”
Sarri was satisfied with the performance of Chelsea who made it two wins from two games after the opening victory at Huddersfield.
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