Chelsea fans in hysterics as Sarri brings Barkley on for Kovacic one last time in what could be his final game as boss

CHELSEA fans sang with joy after lifting the Europa League, but they didn't miss their most-used substitution of the season.

Ross Barkley came on for Mateo Kovacic with the Blues already 4-1 to the good in Baku.

The substitution has been made 22 times in all competitions this season and Chelsea fans of often grown tired of the predictability in Sarri's changes.

As the season has gone on, the Italian has used Ruben Loftus-Cheek more in games, but Kovacic has often been lampooned by Blues supporters for his lack of impact.

That was not the case in the Europa League final though, as he was arguably Chelsea's best player, with the midfield working together to overpower Arsenal's ineffective middle.

And during the trophy celebrations, the pair exchanged the trophy while giving it a ceremonial lift on their own.

OLD LADY LINKS

The game could be Maurizio Sarri's final game in charge of the West London club after Juventus met with Blues chiefs in a bid to get the ball rolling on their recruitment of the 60-year-old.

Juventus currently do not have a head coach for next season after Max Allegri agreed to step down at the end of the season.

Sarri finished second with Napoli a year ago in Serie A, after pushing the Old Lady all the way in a bid to win their first title since Maradona's inspired Scudetto charge in 1990.

Fans were particularly amused by the umpteenth exchange of Barkley for Kovacic after 76 minutes though.

Blue Swede tweeted: "Oh look, it's Barkley for Kovacic."

Cal posted: "HERE IT IS BOYS THE FAMOUS KOVACIC FOR BARKLEY."

Konark said: "Hahaahah Sarri doing a Barkley-Kovacic sub just to mess with everybody now."