Sarri reckons Mourinho has best players in the Premier League
CHELSEA boss Maurizio Sarri reckons the players at Jose Mourinho’s disposal at Manchester United are the best in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s only defeat this season came in the Community Shield to Manchester City, who lead the Blues and Liverpool on goal difference at the top of the Premier League.
Mourinho, meanwhile, is embattled at United, who are eighth after three losses in the opening eight games.
“They are a very strong team. Maybe player by player they are the best team in the Premier League,” Sarri said.
“At the moment I think City are better like a team, but player by player they [United] are very, very strong.”
That may be interpreted as implied criticism of Mourinho, but Sarri was not about to emulate his predecessor, Antonio Conte, in igniting a public feud with the former Porto, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss.
“We are talking about a coach who has won everything,” said Sarri, who is yet to win a trophy in his management career.
“He has won everywhere. So I think that I have to respect him. But I think, also, that you all have to respect him.”
When asked whether threetime Premier League winner Mourinho was being shown enough respect, Sarri said: “I think, no, at the moment.”
The 59-year-old former Napoli boss suggested it was too early to comment on United’s season to date.
Asked if he was surprised by United’s start, Sarri added: “A little bit, but I think it can happen.
“We are talking about only eight matches. They are doing well in the Champions League, so they have the opportunity to improve in the Premier League. We are talking about two months.”
The Blues have beaten United on all three occasions at Stamford Bridge since Mourinho’s move to United following his December 2015 sacking by Chelsea and his appointment at Old Trafford six months later.
United lost 4-0 on Mourinho’s first return as Conte’s side won the league in the Italian’s first season in charge and claimed 1-0 wins in the FA Cup and the league.
The Blues also beat United in May’s FA Cup final at Wembley in Conte’s last match as boss.
With Premier League top scorer Eden Hazard in sparkling form, with seven goals in eight starts, United are expected to try to stop Chelsea from playing.
Meanwhile, Mourinho has been given an extension until Wednesday to answer an FA charge of using abusive, insulting or improper language following the victory over Newcastle.