‘I had a confrontational relationship for the first six months…but after the Europa League final we all cried together’: Maurizio Sarri says Chelsea players ‘learned to appreciate him’ as he reveals he misses Premier League.
The Juventus manager admitted the atmosphere in the dressing room had been tense for the beginning of his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
But by the end of his reign, Sarri said he had built up a bond with his squad and claimed they all shed a tear after his final game.
‘At Chelsea, I had a confrontational relationship with the dressing room for the first six months but eventually the human relationship comes out and after the Europa League final we all cried together,’ he told The Mirror.
‘I am not someone who gives pats on the back. I talk a lot about their mistakes and little about what is done well. At the start, it can be difficult but then they recognise it is honest and they learn to appreciate who you are.’
The Italian admitted he missed the football in England but was less enthusiastic about the day-to-day experience of living in the capital.
‘Do I miss England?
Only a bit. ‘I would never live there, I don’t understand how the Italians who are there do it.
‘But football is another matter. I miss the Premier League. It is fantastic.’
