Former Chelsea boss Mourinho backs Sarri to succeed

“I want to hear Courtois”.

Courtois and Eden Hazard return from their summer break today, when Sarri will speak to them about their futures.

“I think it’s a long way, we have to work”.

Leicester City’s Kasper Schmeichel has been earmarked as a potential Courtois replacement should he get his wish and move to Real Madrid before the end of the window.

And Sarri knows there is plenty of work to do.

“I spoke to him yesterday about [being late]”, Sarri told a news conference ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield game against Manchester City.

“I think it is very important to start with a trophy”, he said. For example, two years ago when we switched to three at the back then from the first day we were very good.

The under-17 World Cup victor, who played the full 90 minutes in England’s 5-2 win over Spain in the final, also endeared himself to Blues supporters after the game with a great gesture.

He also hailed the 18-year-old midfielder Phil Foden, who he said has now become a fully fledged member of the first team having only made his senior debut last November. “When he deserves to play he is going to play”.

While ConyCFC saw “no harm” in extending the “useful” player’s contract, Lyn has an “any means necessary” suggestion for the Chelsea board, which may fall under the infringement of laws category. He’s a classy player who can pick out a pass from just about anywhere on the pitch.

This will be the third meeting between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley, with City winning the most recent one in April 2013 (2-1 in the FA Cup semi-final).