Maurizio Sarri and Jurgen Klopp go head-to-head for the first time in the Premier League on Saturday when Chelsea host Liverpool.
The pair faced off in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday and Sarri got the bragging rights thanks to his side’s 2-1 win at Anfield.
Here, Press Association Sport takes a closer look at the pair.
Trophies
Sarri has not won any major titles in his managerial career. Despite a win percentage of 66 per cent in three seasons at Napoli the best he could manage was two Serie A runners-up spots.
Style
‘Sarriball’ could be a word that makes its way into English football’s dictionary as he is implementing a new style at Stamford Bridge. The Italian has brought in a possession-based game that moves the ball from back to front as quickly as possible, while also deploying a high press. It is also easy on the eye and has brought Chelsea some impressive results.
Character
Sarri is not your average football manager, as prior to his move to England he regularly puffed away on a cigarette on the touchline. He too is something of an extrovert and his humour is managing to shine through his broken English. He is an intelligent man, too, as he worked as a banker up until he was 40.
Start to the season
Things could not have gone much better for Sarri so far in west London. Defeat in the Community Shield apart, they have gone unbeaten so far this season – with five wins out of six in the league – and looked good in doing so. The early signs are that Sarri has taken Eden Hazard’s game to another level and if that continues, the Blues are likely to be in with a shout of silverware at the end of the season.
