Maurizio Sarri explains 'conflicted relationship' with Chelsea players

The first six months of Maurizio Sarri’s reign featured “conflicted relationships” with Chelsea’s players, the Italian revealed. Sarri accepted the fact that he misses the Premier League but also spoke about the relationship he had with the Chelsea squad.

The Italian spent the 2018-19 season at Stamford Bridge but left for Juventus after only a single campaign, which ended with their Europa League final victory over London rivals Arsenal. Sarri’s departure for Juventus went through and was not expected from the fans’ point of view.

In one incident that hinted that the Italian had to fight for respect. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted in the EFL Cup final against Manchester City and was dropped for a game after his act of defiance. 

While interviewing for Juventus’ Youtube channel, Sarri said, “The higher the level, the more difficult it is to build a relationship with the players. It’s not the players who change but the surroundings. You need more time but you still manage. I had a conflicted relationship with the Chelsea locker room during the first five to six months but then when I left after the Europa League final I cried and also a lot of the guys did.”

Sarri admitted that he had a great time in England, even if the living in the country was not for him. “You get the feeling that young people get lots more opportunities in England, not just in football. Having said that, I would never live there, I don’t understand how Italians who live there do it.”

He was also seen praising the Premier League and its extraordinary technical level along with the atmosphere. He said, “I’ve never heard a chant going against someone inside a stadium and the fans all come together outside. The opposing fans ask you for a picture and the stadiums are always full, whatever the competition. It’s fantastic.”

featured image credits- The New York Times