New Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri has revealed that he is looking forward to working with former Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus. The Portuguese star is regarded as the greatest footballer of modern times much to the anger of the fans of his arch-rival and Barcelona star, Lionel Messi.
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The Italian tactician was presented and unveiled as the boss of the Bianconeri early Thursday morning and he was eager to speak about the Ronaldo, who helped Portugal win the first UEFA Nations League title to add to his already impressive trophy cabinet. Sarri revealed that he is excited to coach the former Manchester United star and he wants to help the Portuguese break some new records which will undoubtedly settle all arguments regarding the best player of all time.
Maurizio Sarri is taking the hotseat vacated by former AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri on the back of an eighth successive title triumph for the Bianconeri. Sarri was Serie A runner-up to Allegri-led Juventus with Napoli at the end of the 2017/18 season and is back in his homeland after a season-long spell in the Premier League with Chelsea.
With Chelsea, he secured a top-four finish and Europa League glory with the Blues during a season of ups and downs. He also reached the League Cup Final where he lost to Manchester City. He would have been in great position to build on the success achieved in London but has been lured back to Serie A by the reigning champions.
Sarri managed Eden Hazard for only one season but his influence saw that the Belgian skipper scored 16 goals and assisted 15 for his team mates in the League only. Sarri is aware of the pressure he will be working under in Turin, but is looking forward to taking charge of a squad that includes a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo.
Sarri told reporters at his first press conference as Juve boss: “At Chelsea I coached some very strong players, but training Cristiano will be yet another step forward. I’d like to help him break some new records. I expect to wake up every morning studying how to win games,” said Sarri. “Winning continuously is always hard and Juventus have an obligation to always win, but with the awareness of the difficulty.”
Juventus have a lot of great players of attacking quality that will be a delight for Sarri who favours an attacking system of football that involves a lot of possession and quick, short passes. Sarri said: “You have to have clear ideas on two or three players who can make a real difference for the team and then give them an environment to truly express themselves. Then the formation is dictated by that.”
He added on being given the opportunity to fill such a prestigious post: “At Napoli I gave my all, then I decided to have a great experience in the Premier League. Juve are the best Italian club right now and offered me a chance to return to Italy. It’s the crowning achievement of a long career. I have never seen so much determination on the part of a club to hire a coach. They had a great attitude which convinced me, they were very strong feelings.”
Sarri did not play football professionally, taking part as an amateur centre back and coach while working as a banker. In 2005, he had his first Serie B job at Pescara“It’s been a long journey for me made up of gradual steps. I’m happy to be at the most important team in Italy and this is a further step forward after the experience at Chelsea. For all the clubs I’ve been at I gave 110% and it will be the same here.”
The Italian manager will look forward to managing Juventus and secure another Serie A title whilst mounting a proper challenge for the UEFA Champions League title that has eluded the Old Lady of Turin since 1996.