Maurizio Sarri Superstition Meant Chelsea Changed Their Usual Wembley Routine

Maurizio Sarri didn't have the luxury of winning his first silverware as a manager on Sunday and even before the game there was no luxuries for Chelsea because of the Italian's superstition about hotels.

There's been some bad days for Maurizio Sarri in recent times, four and six nil losses to Bournemouth and Manchester City, and being knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United but the Carabao Cup final debacle might have been the worst.

Chelsea were much improved against City on Sunday, especially compared to the side that had been battered by Pep Guardiola's team just two weeks before, and possibly should have won the game.

However the match won't be remembered for a good performance for Sarri's side, especially the performance of Eden Hazard, or even City winning to be honest, it'll be remembered for Kepa's refusal to come off.

For the former Napoli manager though it's just another year without winning any silverware, something he's failed to do in his career.

It seems that whatever the Italian is doing he might need to change it, including the superstition that meant the Blues changed their pre final preparations.

According to the Daily Mail, Sarri refuses to stay in a hotel that his side have stayed at during a defeat. Having lost at Wembley previously it meant they couldn't stay at the Landmark Hotel in Marylebone and instead stayed at the Park Plaza near the Hanger Lane gyratory.

Sarri trying to remember whether he left his phone charger in the hotel or not. Image: PA Images

The report doesn't say whether or not this is the Blues fourth hotel this season but Sarri has lost four times at the national stadium already in his time at Stamford Bridge.

His first official fixture in charge was the loss to City in the Community Shield and there's subsequently been two losses to Spurs at their temporary stadium.

Sarri's welcome to England was a loss to City in Wembley. Image: PA Images

Sarri's players were okay with the new hotel and there were no complaints and Kepa might have been very happy about one of his boss' other superstitions.

The former Empoli manager doesn't like stepping onto the field of play so didn't go onto the pitch at full time, half time in extra time or during penalties, with players making their circle around him on the touchline.

What's your favourite football superstition?

Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Carabao Cup, Kepa, Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea, Carabao Cup final, Premier League, Wembley

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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