Maurizio Sarri was unveiled as Chelsea manager on Wednesday afternoon as another new chapter begins at Stamford Bridge.

The 59-year-old discussed a number of topics, from transfers, the future of Eden Hazard, accusations against him of being homophobic and racist and both Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho.

He described the transfer window as "boring", adding that he would rather focus on the players he has rather than who he can purchase.

Sarri insisted the only target set by Chelsea was to be competitive this season, while he refused to be drawn on any conversations with owner Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire who has been in dispute with UK authorities over the lack of a visa renewal.

There are just 22 days until the transfer window shuts and 24 days until Chelsea's Premier League season begins with a trip to Huddersfield.

Before that, though, there is the traditional season curtain-raiser of the Community Shield in 18 days time, where FA Cup winners Chelsea will host Premier League champions Manchester City.

Read everything Sarri had to say at his first press conference below!

Live Updates

ES COVERAGE Hello and welcome to Standard Sport's LIVE coverage of Maurizio Sarri's first press conference as Chelsea manager. With rumours surrounding the futures of Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and an interest in Roma's Alisson, there will be plenty to discuss. Sarri is expected to meet the media at 2pm BST. Photo: PA While we wait for Maurizio Sarri, take a read of our look at what Chelsea fans can expect under the Italian's leadership. "You need the magic touch to become an idol in Naples. Diego Maradona had it, so too Edinson Cavani and Lorenzo Insigne, the hometown hero. "But for the last three seasons, Napoli supporters reserved their adoration for Maurizio Sarri, a chain-smoking one-time bank clerk whose Napoli teams produced some of the most spectacular football in the world." If that doesn't whet your appetite, nothing will. Have a read, here Photo: Reuters We have Simon Johnson at Stamford Bridge this afternoon. Advertisement Maurizio Sarri will be in a rush to get his ideas across to his new squad. There are just 22 days until the transfer window shuts and 24 days until Chelsea's Premier League season begins with a trip to Huddersfield. Before that, though, there is the traditional season curtain-raiser of the Community Shield in 18 days time, where FA Cup winners Chelsea will host Premier League champions Manchester City. Right then, it's time. Antonio Conte had a habit of being late to these. How will Sarri get on? Conte mk.II it is. Advertisement He is here!



After being introduced by Chelsea's press officer, Sarri's first task he is walk in and hold up a Chelsea shirt. No words from him yet. First words: "Good afternoon everybody. It is a pleasure for me to be here in London. It is a pleasure to be here in the Premier League, the best league in the world. It is a pleasure to be here with Chelsea."

He will, as expected, to be answering in Italian as he does not want to be misunderstood. Advertisement First question: "Have you been planning this move for some time?"



Answer: "No. I had to solve a situation with Napoli so I was not planning anything. I knew there was a chance to join Chelsea." On the challenge of Chelsea "This is a difficult challenge, but a fascinating challenge. We have the strongest coaches in the world, and the strongest players in the world. "The Premier League is different to Serie A and also stronger. The Premier League is a stronger league, with Serie A tactically different."

On futures of Hazard, Courtois, Willian "Clearly, we would always like to keep the strongest players. This is what any managers, and any club, wants to do. But we will have to see how the transfer window goes." "I would like to clarify that I am much more of a pitch manager than a general manager. I am one of the few managers to be bored by the transfer market. I am not interested in it." Advertisement What to do to keep his job? "My personal objective is to have fun. Few people have this and I hope this happens to me." Tactical approach? Was your Napoli exit unavoidable? "I don't know. I have a wonderful memory of Napoli. I love the people there and will always love them." Advertisement How far away is the team from your football philosophy?



"I do not want to be influenced by anyone. Antonio Conte has reached incredible results here and elsewhere, and clearly I play in a slightly different way so it will take some time. "This is a post-World Cup [pre-season] so it will take longer. All good things which Antonio did should not be changed but, in today's football, it is important to know how to implement one's philosophy." More on philosophy taking effect "In my previous experiences, a few years ago, I needed a long time. Previously I've needed three months but, at Napoli, we started along a positive path after three matches. "I hope this initial time can be shortened and the quality of the players will allow us to achieve results during this time." On Chelsea's philosophy "I don’t want to change anything in the club’s philosophy. I want to bring my philosophy on the pitch. "Ours is not a sport but a game, and anyone who plays a game started when they were a child to have fun. The child in each of us must be nurtured." Advertisement What have you learned from Guardiola?



"He is a class act, a champion. He is a genius so it is difficult to explain his insights. "In his first year [at Manchester City] he had some problems but winning 100 points [last season] is an incredible feat and one unlikely to be repeated." Hint at transfer focus? Next

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