The Decathlon: Sarri to hold talks with Chelsea about his future

Ten things from the world of sport on Thursday 30 May

Maurizio Sarri’s spell as Chelsea manager looks set to end
Maurizio Sarri’s spell as Chelsea manager looks set to end
(Image credit: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

1. Sarri: I deserve to stay

After leading his team to victory in the Europa League final against Arsenal last night Maurizio Sarri is set to hold talks with Chelsea to discuss his future at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian’s time at Chelsea has been questioned and he has also been linked with the vacant job at Juventus.

Speaking after the 4-1 win over Arsenal, the 60-year-old said: “I need to talk to the club and make sure I know what I can do for Chelsea and what Chelsea can do for me.

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“I love the Premier League and I’m lucky I’m at Chelsea but at the end of each season you have to sit down and talk.

“In my opinion, I deserve to stay at Chelsea but my opinion is not enough.”

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2. Hazard set for new challenge

Eden Hazard looks likely to be leaving Chelsea after admitting it may be “time for a new challenge”. The Real Madrid target scored twice against Arsenal in Baku and he said: “I think it’s a goodbye, but in football you never know. We will decide in a few days - the only target in my mind was to win this final. Maybe now it is the time for a new challenge.”

Today’s back pages: Eden Hazard’s golden goodbye proves he’s the Real deal

3. Inter sack Spalletti

Inter Milan have sacked Luciano Spalletti and Sky in Italy reports that former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is already being lined up as their new head coach.

4. Konta through in France

Britain’s Johanna Konta is through to the third round of the French Open tennis grand slam after a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 victory over American Lauren Davis. Konta will play Slovakia’s Viktoria Kuzmova on Friday. In the men’s singles 11-time winner Rafael Nadal and former champion Roger Federer have also progressed to the third round.

5. Raptors’ Drake warning

ESPN reports that the Toronto Raptors have been talked to by the NBA over the court-side behaviour of super-fan Drake. The Canadian rapper is often seen at Raptors games and has made his presence known on the sidelines on a number of occasions. The Raptors host the Golden State Warriors in game one of the NBA Finals on Friday (2am, live on Sky Sports).

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6. Mane happy at Liverpool

Liverpool striker Sadio Mane is once again linked with a move to Real Madrid but the Senegal star insists he is happy at Anfield. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final against Tottenham Mane said of the rumours: “This is always part of football so we have to deal with it but for me the most important thing is Liverpool and I’m happy here.”

See more Premier League transfer news

7. Hearn: Wilder decision ‘embarrassing’

Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has called Deontay Wilder’s decision to fight Luis Ortiz as “embarrassing”. With boxing fans eager to see Joshua vs. Wilder in a heavyweight super-fight, Hearn told Sky Sports: “Unfortunately Wilder is not giving the public what they want.” This weekend IBF, WBA and WBO champion Joshua fights Andy Ruiz Jr in New York.

8. Woods eyes Snead’s PGA Tour record

Tiger Woods is just one win away from equalling Sam Snead’s record of 82 PGA Tour titles. The 43-year-old Woods is proud to be within reach of Snead’s tally and he said: “To get into those numbers [of victories] takes longevity and it takes hot years. There has been ten years where I have won five or more tournaments, so you need multiple winning seasons like that. That’s something I’m very proud of, as that’s not something that happens overnight. To be able to get to this close, to get one behind Sam Snead, has been pretty amazing.”

9. Hulk to Red Bull?

Rumours in the Italian media claim that Red Bull Racing are lining up Nico Hulkenberg as Pierre Gasly’s replacement for the 2020 season. Since stepping up from Toro Rosso Gasly has struggled to match team-mate Max Verstappen and Red Bull are looking for a “back-up” solution. At the age of 31 Renault driver Hulkenberg is a surprise name to be linked with Red Bull, who usually promote from within their set-up.

10. World Cup starts at The Oval

The opening match of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup is under way at The Oval in London with host nation England taking on South Africa.

The ten-team tournament takes place in England and Wales with the final being held at Lord’s on Sunday 14 July. All countries will play each other in a round-robin league format with the top four teams then qualifying for the semi-finals.

This week’s Cricket World Cup fixtures

All matches are live on Sky Sports Cricket.

  • Thursday 30 May: England vs. South Africa (10.30am)
  • Friday 31 May: West Indies vs. Pakistan (10.30am)
  • Saturday 1 June: New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka (10.30am); Afghanistan vs. Australia (1.30pm)
  • Sunday 2 June: South Africa vs. Bangladesh (10.30am)
  • Monday 3 June: England vs. Pakistan (10.30am)
  • Tuesday 4 June: Afghanistan vs. Sri Lanka (10.30am)
  • Wednesday 5 June: South Africa vs. India (10.30am); Bangladesh vs. New Zealand (1.30pm)
  • Thursday 6 June: Australia vs. West Indies (10.30am)
  • Friday 7 June: Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka (10.30am)
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