Maurizio Sarri hits Chelsea fans who booed Jorginho

Maurizio Sarri found himself on the side of midfielder Jorginho when Chelsea fans booed the midfielder before and during their Europa League match with Malmo.

Chelsea was relegated to the score as he won a 5-1 total to qualify for the last 16.

But the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is still worrying and fans are clearly expressing their feelings on the club's slide.

Jorginho's name was booed by part of the crowd when the substitute's name was read before the match.

The 27-year-old player – a £ 57 million finish – arrived 15 minutes after the end and supporters booed as he headed for the field.

Jorginho is under the average since his signing and Sarri says the player is better than he thinks.

"I think in the first 30 minutes we understood why Jorginho is very important to our team," said Sarri. "We had trouble getting out of our half with pressing.

"With Jorginho, it's easier, I think, and I hope our fans will be able to understand that Jorginho is really a very important player for us."

"I think we played the first 30 minutes without confidence – we were nervous.

"We were not able to move the ball very quickly and we had pressure problems.

"So we were a bit better in the last 15 minutes of the first half and after the first goal we did very well and we started moving the ball very quickly with confidence.

"But it was not easy for us to play this game, of course, so I can understand our players in the first 30 minutes."

Chelsea fans also shared their feelings, saying that they wanted Callum Hudson-Odoi to stay, the striker having made an outstanding start.

The Blues discover their last fate Friday as the draw for the next round is made.