Pep Guardiola defends Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri in light of sacking rumours

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has empathised with Chelsea counterpart Maurizio Sarri difficult situation at the London club. 

Lately, Sarri's future at Chelsea has come into question after his side dropped to sixth in the Premier League and recent results have put the Italian coach under pressure. 

However, Guardiola, who himself endured struggles of his own during his first season in England, admitted to being shocked at how little time coaches are given at Chelsea to implement their ideas before being sacked. 

While speaking on Friday ahead of Sunday's Carabao Cup final, Guardiola said, "The situation (of Sarri) is a bit different in terms of my first years (at City). The club never doubted me. It was never released by the media that they will sack me if I lose this or that game. It never happened."

"So I was surprised when (Antonio) Conte won the title and then lost one or two games in the beginning of the season, people started saying he will be sacked," he added. 

The former Barcelona boss said, "The situation is completely different. Whether we lost at Chelsea or won at home, I have always thought highly about Sarri."