Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has revealed that he is contemplating giving up smoking for the next "one or two years".
The 59-year-old became well known for his touchline chain smoking in Italy - something which he is unable to do at British football grounds.
Sarri was left stressed by Chelsea's capitulation during the closing stages of their Premier League meeting with Arsenal at the weekend and headed for the tunnel early, leading to claims that he sneaked off for a cigarette.
These suggestions have been denied by the Italian, but due to the no-smoking policy in England he does intend to kick the habit sooner rather than later.
"I needed half time and the first half to end, not a cigarette," he told reporters. "I am going to stop for one or two years then I will start again. Inside there were 15 minutes that were horrible.
"We lost ground, we were not able to press, we were not able to defend, we were really in trouble. I think in the second half we did very well from our mental point of view.
"It was really very hard to answer about the last part of the first half. I prefer to speak about the other 75 minutes, it is better. I remember better the good things instead of the worst."
Sarri has won his first two Premier League matches as Chelsea manager, having also seen his side earn a 3-0 win at Huddersfield Town on the opening weekend.
Daniel Lewis
