Maurizio Sarri has revealed how he shared a "conflicted relationship" with his Chelsea squad but admits he misses the Premier League, describing it as "extraordinary".
The former Blues coach left after just one season in charge in west London, replacing Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus in June 2019.
Sarri had guided Chelsea to their second Europa League trophy with a 4-1 win over Arsenal in Baku and secured a third-place finish in the Premier League, confirming the club's qualification for the Champions League.
But it was not always a smooth operation for the 61-year-old. He had a public falling out with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga during the Carabao Cup Final and was left on the brink of the sack following Chelsea's worst-ever defeat in the Premier League, a 6-0 humbling at the hands of Manchester City.
Speaking to Juventus' official YouTube channel via video link, Sarri lifted the lid on his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
"I had a conflicted relationship with the Chelsea dressing room but, when I told them I’d be leaving, many of them cried," he said.
“I’m not so much a person who pats others on the back. I talk a lot about what they do wrong and less about the good things they do.
“I think that has a big impact, but then they learn to appreciate you for who you are. The longest relationships are with the lads I played least, so I think they recognise something once they absorb your character."
When asked if he misses England, Sarri replied: “I would never live there [again], I don't understand how the Italians who are there do it.
“As for the football, it’s a different story. I miss the Premier League. It has an extraordinary technical level and an incredible atmosphere."
