Maurizio Sarri says Manchester United are “maybe, player by player” the best team in the Premier League - but that Jose Mourinho still deserves more respect than he’s getting and criticism has been premature.
The Portuguese returns to Chelsea on Saturday afternoon on the back of a poor start to the season, and a lot of criticism and speculation about his job. Sarri defended Mourinho but, when it was put to him over whether he expected United to spoil the game, the Italian also talked up their squad.
“I think so,” the Chelsea manager said when asked whether he expected some stifling tactics from Mourinho. “But I think also they are a very strong team. Maybe, player by player, they are the best team in the Premier League.
“At the moment I think [Manchester] City are better as a team, but player by player, they are really very, very strong. So I don't know if they will play us or try and play their football.”
Sarri however made sure to praise Mourinho.
“We are talking about a coach who has won everything. He has won everywhere. So I think that I have to respect him. But I think, also, that you all have to respect him.”
Asked whether Mourinho is getting the respect he deserves right now, Sarri said: “I don't know. I think not. At the moment. But I'm not really sure. I try... I don't want to read anything because I know very well that, in football, especially for a coach, we have positive periods and negative periods. And in a negative period, I want to think only with my mind. And so I am trying not to read anything.”
He admitted surprise at United’s results, but that it’s still too early in the season to judge.
“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.”
