Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea season a success if he wins Europa League, says Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Former Chelsea forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes it could be a successful first season for Maurizio Sarri

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says Maurizio Sarri's first season at Chelsea is a success if they win the Europa League.

Sarri has come in for some criticism since taking charge at Stamford Bridge but has guided Chelsea to a first European final since their 2013 Europa League win.

With Champions League football already secured for next season thanks to a third-place finish, former Chelsea forward Hasselbaink says Sarri's first season at Chelsea will be a success if they beat Arsenal in Baku on May 29.

"At the start of the season a Champions League place was the aim and [Sarri] has got that in finishing in third," said Hasselbaink.

Image: Chelsea beat Eintracht Frankfurt to set up a Europa League final against Arsenal

"They had the League Cup final - that they lost to Man City on penalties - and the FA Cup, where they [reached the fifth round].

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"If they win the Europa League final it's been a successful season for Chelsea."

With increasing speculation concerning star man Eden Hazard's possible departure to Real Madrid, along with a transfer ban to contend with, it could be difficult for Sarri to replicate this season's performance.

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But Hasselbaink insists Chelsea need to kick on and said: "It's a start.

"From where they came from it's a big improvement. Now they need to improve again for next year. They need to be title contenders."

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