Juventus Manager Maurizio Sarri Opens Up On Chelsea Relationship, Talks Self-Isolation Routine And Suspertisions

Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri has told of his calamitous relationship with the Chelsea dressing room. The 61-year-old also revealed his self-isolation pass times, and also talks of his unusual routines.

Sarri replaced former Italian manager Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge in 2018 following a successful three-years at Napoli. Bringing his style to the club of quick passing and building from the back, known as “Sarri ball”, he struggled to get his ideas across to the players, but eventually, he received their support.

“I had a conflicted relationship with the Chelsea dressing room but, when I told them I’d be leaving, many of them cried,” he told Juve’s official YouTube channel.

“I’m not so much a person who pats others on the back. I talk a lot about what they do wrong and less about the good things they do.

“I think that has a big impact, but then they learn to appreciate you for who you are. The longest relationships are with the lads I played least, so I think they recognise something once they absorb your character.”

Sarri may have not enjoyed his time living in England, but he does miss the passion of Premier League soccer.

“I would never live there [again], I don’t understand how the Italians who are there do it. As for the football, it’s a different story. I miss the Premier League. It has an extraordinary technical level and an incredible atmosphere”, he said.

The Juve manager has revealed what he is currently doing during the self-isolation period and also says Serie A could return this summer.

“I think we’re going to play in the summer, so this is the right time to disconnect a bit since there will be a minimal stop between one season and another.

“I’m reading a lot and watching some old matches. When I see Sacchi’s Milan, I think they were 20 years ahead of their time.”

He then recalled scrutiny he previously received from opposing fans and states there is too much ‘hate’ in Italy

“Two things struck me: love and hate. We’re surrounded by love in any city in Italy and it’s a beautiful thing, but we’re also always surrounded by hatred. We’re always the ones favoured by referees, yet look at the numbers and they say something else.

“I was insulted in Naples, the city where I was born and gave everything. If I didn’t win there it’s because I didn’t succeed.

“And in Turin, I heard chants against my mother from Fiorentina fans. When you’re attacked from the outside, you become stronger inside. If you become a Gobbo (insulting term for Juve fans), it’s for that reason, you are constantly getting attacked.”

When managing in the lower leagues, he gave fans an insight into his superstitions – one which included his car.

“When I was coaching at Eccellenza level in Tuscany, I had this obsession with parking my car in the same spot every day,” he told JTV.

“The players noticed this and now and then would put their car in it first to annoy me. I remember one time I went into the dressing room and told the lad whose car was in my spot that he had three minutes to move it, or I would find a way to do it myself.

“He didn’t go out to his vehicle, so I put my car behind his and pushed it out of the way. We won the game 2-0 that day, so he couldn’t complain.”

Sarri’s future remains uncertain at the Allianz Stadium. Many names have been linked with the Juve hot seat including Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettinho and Zinedine Zidane. No doubt Sarri will be planning his sides ninth consecutive Scudetto during his isolation, but it remains to be seen whether he will be taking charge of the Old Lady next season.