Sarri: ‘player by player, United are best team in league’

Steven Chicken

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri reckons the players at Jose Mourinho’s disposal at Manchester United are the best in the Premier League – and that the Portuguese will win major silverware again.

Chelsea’s only defeat this season came in the Community Shield to Manchester City, who lead the Blues and Liverpool on goal difference at the top of the Premier League.

Mourinho, meanwhile, is embattled at United, who are eighth after three losses in the opening eight games.

“They are a very strong team. Maybe player by player they are the best team in the Premier League,” Sarri said.

“At the moment I think City is better like a team, but player by player they (United) are very, very strong.”

That may be interpreted as implied criticism of Mourinho, but Sarri was not about to emulate his predecessor, Antonio Conte, in igniting a public feud with the former Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss.

The 59-year-old former banker accepts Mourinho is, for the time being, a better coach than him – and can win trophies again.

Sarri, who is yet to win a trophy in his management career, said: “The results speak for him. I need to win if I want to compare myself to him. At the moment, it’s not possible (to compare).

“You are talking about one of the best coaches in the world, and I’m not at the moment one of the best.

“I think he will be able to win also in the future. Because he is really one of the best. Maybe the best. The results are the best.”