Maurizio Sarri has provided an insight into his meticulous approach for preparing matches, declaring he disregards the outside world to get full immersion in his tactical work.
Sarri has begun his debut season at the Premier League in style with Chelsea matching the pace of Manchester City towards the title. With eight games gone, the Blues are level on points with the Citizens at 20 and just trailing the title holders via goal difference.
If these run of results might come as a bit of a surprise considering Sarri arrived late for pre-season training at west London, the quickness with which the Pensioners adapted to the ex-Napoli schemer’s style, while still in its initial stages, has been startling.
Already, the Stamford Bridge faithful have expressed their delight at watching their team play a slick, attacking brand of football which is a significant departure from Antonio Conte’s more conservative approach. The ex-Napoli manager’s charges have certainly shown an eagerness to adjust to the demands of “Sarri-ball” and in a recent interview with Corriere dello Sport, the 59-year-old Blues boss revealed the rigorous procedure he undergoes to prepare for matches.
Sarri compared his tactical work with religion and claimed he does not bother to get up on his feet when someone knocks on the door in order to plunge himself deep into focus with his work on tactics before saying he developed this disciplined approach from his time coaching at the third tier of Italy.
“My working day usually lasts from 9am to 7pm, then two hours of viewing time for myself.” It’s like a religion,” said the Chelsea boss. “I got a house… in Effingham, so they lock me up in my hermitic seal and if they knock, I don’t answer the door. I am immersed in my world.
“I achieved this almost at the age of 60. I don’t need to thank anyone other than those who cared for me, supported me and understood me, but not those who tried to exploit me.
“I spent my time in Serie C, that’s a league that grinds you down and spits you out.”
