Maurizio Sarri has received plenty of criticism this season but the numbers make it hard to argue that this has been anything other than a solid campaign for the Chelsea manager.
Wednesday’s Europa League victory over Arsenal has lifted the doom and gloom around Stamford Bridge and fans have begun to take a more positive look at the Italian’s first season as a whole.
Sarri completed his objectives, not only winning the club’s fifth European fifth trophy but also securing a third-place finish in the Premier League.
In fact, in terms of wins, only one Chelsea manager has ever managed more in his first season at the club.
The 60-year-old won 39 of his 63 games in charge, drawing 13 and losing 11.
Jose Mourinho is the only Blues boss who has ever secured more victories in his debut campaign, winning 42 in his first spell in the legendary 04-05 season.
Carlo Ancelotti achieved as many as Sarri in his while Antonio Conte pulled off 37.
The likes of Claudio Ranieiri, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Andre-Villas-Boas only managed 21.
CHELSEA DEBUT SEASON WINS
- Jose Mourinho (2004-05) – 42
- Maurizio Sarri (2018-19) – 39
- Carlo Ancelotti (2009-10) – 39
- Antonio Conte (2016-17) – 37
- Jose Mourinho (2013-14) – 35
- Claudio Ranieri (2000-01) – 21
- Luiz Felipe Scolari (2008-09) – 21
- Andre Villas-Boas (2011-12) – 21