Maurizio Sarri has suggested for the first time that he is considering his future at Chelsea.
Juventus have made Sarri one of their leading targets to replace Massimiliano Allegri and are expected to make a formal approach after the Europa League Final on Wednesday night.
Sarri has consistently stated in public that he ‘loves English football’ and is happy to stay at Stamford Bridge.
But as he discussed the job he has done at Chelsea this season during a press conference on the eve of the Europa League final, the Italian admitted the affection he has for his players could play a part in any decision he makes.
“In this moment, I love them because I have 20-22 wonderful men, and wonderful players. So now I'm really very happy with them," he said.
"And, of course, I have to consider it for the future. And I have to consider that I love English football, I love the Premier League.
“For me, at the beginning of the season, it was really very difficult to understand my players, to understand the mentality. But, after a very difficult month in January, in February they started to change, I think. Or probably I changed, I don't know.”
Juventus are also believed to be considering Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, while Manchester City have dismissed talk that Pep Guardiola is a target.
Most of the speculation has centred around Sarri though, which is hardly ideal preparation ahead of such a significant contest, but the 60-year-old insists it is not a distraction to him.
“I want to think only about the final, of course," he added.
“Then I have a contract with Chelsea for two years. So, first of all, I will speak with Chelsea. But this is not the moment.
"Now we have to think only about the final. Because you know very well, our feeling is that we deserve to win. And so we want to win.”
