For a man whose only previous association with the Premier League was allegedly calling the former title winner Roberto Mancini a “poof” and a “faggot” during a Coppa Italia tie two years ago, Maurizio Sarri did not put a foot wrong during his first appearance as Chelsea head coach yesterday.

The 59-year-old Italian spoke largely in his native tongue and chose his words with considerably more care on his maiden public outing at Stamford Bridge, apologising for those homophobic comments and his use of sexist language towards a female journalist in Italy last season. He then reassured Chelsea fans that he will do his utmost to keep hold of Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois, as well as promising them a fun and attractive style of