Zola: Chelsea keeping faith with

By Joshua Walters

Chelsea assistant manager Gianfranco Zola has confirmed that the technical team is making changes in the playing system but is not replacing it with another.

Zola told a press conference on Sunday ahead of Chelsea's FA Cup knockout tie against Manchester United on Monday the team is making some adjustments in the way it plays and in the general style of play.

Maurizio Sarri has come under pressure following his side's inconsistent run of form, especially in the second round of the 2018/19 Premier League season.

Sarri arrived at Chelsea before the start of the season and has since changed the playing style of the side to what he calls 'Sarriball' which combines possession with long and short passes embroidered in quick and high pressing and recoveries.

The methodology heaped Chelsea to a long unbeaten streak before losing their first game of the season to Tottenham in matchday-13.

The tide has changed for Sarri and his Blues in the second round as they have dropped 12 points from a possible 21 and also dropped from the 4th position to 6th in the league log.

There have been concerns that the Chelsea players are struggling to adapt to 'Sarriball', but Zola thought otherwise though acknowledging that some changes are being made to acquaint the squad.

"How do you know that we are not making changes."

"We are adjusting a few things but without changing where we want to go. The direction is always the same."

Zola drew inspiration and example from Pep Guardiola, who overcame a similar spectacle in his attempt at transforming Manchester City to the dominant side that they are today.

"Two years ago you were probably asking the same questions to Pep Guardiola. I do remember you asking him, 'Is that the case that you keep playing from the back?'

"And I remember the answers of Pep, saying, 'This is not in discussion, this is part of my game, I know I am going through this difficult moment, and I don't change it'."