Chelsea
head coach Maurizio Sarri admits he is surprised West Ham have had such a
difficult start to the season.
Manuel Pellegrini's side finally got off the mark in the Premier League with
a 3-1 win at Everton last week but now face a tough game at home to Chelsea
on Sunday -
live on Sky Sports - as they look to move away from the
relegation places.
In contrast, Sarri's side have enjoyed a sensational start to the campaign,
winning their opening five league matches, as well as their Europa League
game against PAOK in Greece on Thursday night.
"I am surprised," Sarri said of West Ham's travails. "In Naples [his former
club, Napoli], the beginning was very difficult. Not for a long time but the
first month was very difficult.
"Here, at the moment, I am very happy. I am very happy with the situation, I
am very happy with the players, I am very happy with the club.
"I know that the Premier League is very competitive. I know that in the
future, probably, I will have to face some difficulties.
"I have seen the five matches of West Ham in the Premier League. I think
they are a very good team. I think the position in the table of West Ham is
not reality."
Cesar Azpilicueta took over the captaincy from Willian after coming on as a
substitute in the 1-0 win over PAOK, but Sarri has refused to say if he will
be given the role on a permanent basis, insisting it is not a major issue as
far as he is concerned.
"I don't remember who the captain was at the beginning of the game," added
Sarri. "Who was the captain? Willian.
"And in the second part, Azpilicueta. I don't know. I don't remember. I
understand that in England it is important. For me it is not so important.
"I have my idea. I want to speak to the players and I want to speak to my
club. It was not possible this week. Maybe it will be possible in the next
week."
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