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Chelsea news: Maurizio Sarri makes Mourinho and Guardiola claim during interview
MAURIZIO SARRI is looking forward to taking on the likes of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola in the Premier League this season.
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The Chelsea boss recently arrived in London after a drawn out exit from Napoli.
Sarri is undertaking an intensive language course to improve his English before the start of the Premier League season.
But the Italian gave an interview entirely in English to Chelsea TV this afternoon.
And during the talk, Sarri revealed why he is relishing the chance to face some of the biggest coaches in the world this season.
“How exciting is it to join Chelsea? It’s very easy to answer your question,” he said.
It’ll be very exciting for me to play against Guardiola, Pochettino, Mourinho, Klopp and all the others
“Five years ago, I was in Italy in Serie B, Chelsea are one of the most important clubs in the most championship in Europe, so it’s easy to answer your first question.
“In the Premier League, there are all the most important Coaches in Europe, maybe in the world, so it’ll be very exciting for me to play against Guardiola, Pochettino, Mourinho, Klopp and all the others.
“Guardiola’s praise? Guardiola is principally a friend so I think he has spoken well about me for this motive."
Sarri admits he began learning English as a youngster but never continued to speak the language while in Italy.
But despite speaking fluently during the interview, the 59-year-old thinks he still has a way to go.
“My English? It’s not very good," he added.
"I started English more than 30 years ago, so in this long time unfortunately I have lost everything!"