Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri has revealed that he was close to signing for intercity rivals Roma.
Speaking in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sportitalia (via LazioNews24) last night, the 62-year-old Italian coach first spoke about Giallorossi coach Jose Mourinho.
I think it’s all a journalistic duel. The teams will count, because neither he nor I will be on the pitch. For me it’s all about having fun.
If a coach has fun, then the players have fun. And in the end the public will have fun too.
He revealed that a move to Roma was almost on the cards for him.
I’ve never spoken directly with the Giallorossi, but according to my agents we were very close.
The former Napoli and Juventus coach also revealed that Fiorentina were previously keen to hire him.
They looked for me before Prandelli and then they went for someone else in June.
Sarri suggested that leaving Chelsea for Juventus was a big mistake.
I made a big mistake because I wanted to return to Italy. Chelsea are a great team and they made great signings.
I lived a very difficult year from an economic and corporate point of view. But, I repeat, I made an error of judgement.
The 62-year-old Italian coach spoke about Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad. The Azzurri will face Spain in the Euro 2020 semi-finals this evening.
We are the ones who play the best football. Mancini has been very good, also in making the right choices.
Finally, Sarri commented on his replacement at Juventus, Andrea Pirlo. The 42-year-old Italian left the role after only one season.
I can’t know the reasons for the choice. What I can say is that, with certain decisions, there is a risk of burning certain young players who, with more experience, could do really well.
Sarri is in close talks with sporting director Igli Tare and president Claudio Lotito regarding the Biancocelesti’s transfer targets in this summer’s window. The main goal currently is signing wingers that fit Sarri’s 4-3-3 system.
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