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Maurizio Sarri makes controversial Champions League claim as Arsenal hand Chelsea top four chance

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Chelsea can go third with a win over Burnley on Monday at Satmford Bridge (Picture: Getty)

Maurizio Sarri believes the Champions League is overhyped.

The Chelsea boss concedes Europes top-tier competition remains the worlds premier club tournament, but insists its importance is overstated.

Chelsea must win the Europa League or secure a top-four Premier League finish to qualify for next terms Champions League.

Exclusion from the continents top table hampers recruitment and hits revenue, leaving Sarris employers possibly unimpressed with his Champions League views.

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I think the media give the Champions League too much importance, said Sarri, whose future at Chelsea remains far from stable.

Of course its the most important competition for clubs. But its a competition with straight elimination, so we need to play very well but you need to be lucky in that competition. I can understand if you stay in the Champions League its another world probably.

I have played two times in the Champions League and its clear that its the most important competition for clubs in Europe and as a consequence in the world I think.

But its a competition in which you need to be lucky.