Maurizio Sarri has countered criticism that his management style is overly aggressive with the striking claim that the only player he ever argues with is Gonzalo Higuain.
The Argentine has been a favourite of Sarri’s since they first worked together at Napoli, where he had his most successful season and scored 36 goals in 35 Serie A matches.
Sarri took Higuain out on loan while he was Chelsea manager and brought him back into the Juventus set-up when he got the job at the start of the current campaign.
Despite the largely positive outcomes of their working relationship at the three clubs, the Italian coach has now revealed that it is a partnership which thrives off conflict.
“I always read that I fight with everyone, when actually the only person I fight with is Higuain,” Sarri said.
Tensions on the pitch between Sarri and club talisman Cristiano Ronaldo have been pointed out during Juventus defeats – notably the Coppa Italia final.
Sarri also infamously fell out with Kepa Arrizabalaga during last year’s EFL Cup final, nearly storming down the tunnel after the Chelsea goalkeeper refused to be substituted.
But Sarri denies having serious spats with anyone other than Higuain.
He continued: “I don’t know why that is, but it’s always been the case. Maybe it’s because he needs a rather aggressive counterpoint to bring out the best in him.
“Mentally he’s fine but physically I don’t know how much he can take because he’s been on and off lately.
“He needs pampering one day and beating against a wall the next! When he’s feeling down, he needs caring for.
“When he's on a high, he must be brought down a peg because he can get too carried away.”
Sarri and Higuain’s Juve side are currently seven points clear at the top of Serie A with eight rounds of fixtures remaining.
