Sarri Hails Mourinho

By Nigel Philips

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has described Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho as one with ‘extraordinary human qualities' but says he feels closest to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp than any manager in the Premier League.

Chelsea beat Klopp's Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield in the Carabao Cup, three days before the two sides drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge in a Premier League duel.

Sarri, who joined Chelsea from Napoli in the last summer, reveals a touchline mini-chat with Klopp during the game at the Bridge made him realise that he has reached the top by swapping Napoli with the London club.

"At one point I turned to him [Klopp] and saw that he was smiling,"  the 59-year-old Italian told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I approached and asked him why.

"He told me 'I'm having a good time, you?' 'Me too,' I replied.

"Here, when you live these situations, you realise that you have reached the top."

Chelsea beat Unai Emery's Arsenal 3-2 in August but needed a last-minute strike to draw 2-2 with Manchester United, following which the Portuguese trainer accepted an apology from Sarri for a provocative goal celebration of one of his backroom staff.

"Mourinho is a man of extraordinary human qualities. He made an excellent impression on the day of the Stamford Bridge match when the incident involving one of my assistants occurred."

"On a professional level, there is little to say: he has won everything and everywhere.

"Emery is a scholar and an excellent professional. The offensive organisation of his football is of the highest level."