Tuscan coach Maurizio Sarri spoke about his future prospects on the sidelines of the presentation of the Memorial Niccolò Galli youth tournament in Florence. Answering questions about the possibility of returning to coaching soon, Sarri said: “It will depend on the situations that arise. Let’s see if something emerges that really stimulates me, something that is the result of a medium or long-term program and that is worth living.”
The former Empoli, Napoli, Juventus, Chelsea and Lazio coach denied rumours of recent contact with Fiorentina, stating: “Fiorentina approached me several years ago, but never in the last transfer market sessions. The only way to go to Florence would be to play at Viola Park and see if anyone opens up. I am available for all the projects that intrigue me, I have no preclusions towards anyone and I am not necessarily looking for a team that plays in the Champions League. These are media discussions that at this point in my life and career interest me little.”
Sarri also commented on speculation about a possible interest from Bologna: “These are discussions that I am reading in the newspapers, at the moment I have not had any direct contact with Bologna. The four teams with which I have had direct relations are all foreign, coming from the Premier, La Liga and other championships.”
Asked about the situation between Massimiliano Allegri and Juventus, Sarri responded cautiously: “To really understand what happened, you have to be inside, live it. It's too easy to say from the outside whether one or the other made a mistake. The victory in the Coppa Italia? When a club has as its motto 'Winning is the only thing that matters', I don't think that's enough to define the season as positive.”
Speaking about sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, Sarri expressed great esteem: “Giuntoli is the right person to rebuild a Juventus that can win the Scudetto. He is tough, competent, convinced and determined. He is a sporting director that I will always carry in my heart because we did a three-year cycle in Naples, taking satisfaction apart from one final. I have great respect for him.”
Finally, Sarri shared his feelings for Napoli: “Seeing Napoli like this makes me sad because the two teams that are dear to my heart are Napoli and Fiorentina. I spent three wonderful years in Naples, at times unrepeatable in a coach's career. I was very happy when they won the Scudetto last year, even if I was a little angry because it didn't happen during my cycle. But when I see teams that win and that are dear to my heart, I'm happy.”
Article published on May 20, 2024 - 12:34 pm
