Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic has backed Maurizio Sarri to overcome his first-season struggles and become a big hit at Stamford Bridge.

The 60-year-old is under renewed pressure following last weekend's 2-0 loss at Everton that further dented his side's hopes of qualifying for next term's Champions League.

Sarri appears to have dodged the sack for the time being, though, and Kovacic - used in 26 of Chelsea's 30 Premier League games this season - has praised the Italian for sticking to his guns amid the ongoing criticism.

"When players are used to playing other football and then to come here and change everything, it's difficult," he told the club's official website.

"But he has his football in his mind and that's a great personality. He just wants to play his football and that's what we're trying to do and trying to win a trophy.

"Because in the end the most important thing is to win trophies but the players know it. The players are used to winning trophies and I'm sure we will have a great year this season."

Chelsea, who return to action on March 31 with a trip to Cardiff City, have reportedly lined up Nuno Espirito Santo and Frank Lampard as possible replacements for Sarri.