Pedro sees some similarities between Sarri and Guardiola
Maurizio Sarri and Pep Guardiola share a few things in common in their approach to management, according to Chelsea winger Pedro.
Chelsea winger Pedro sees similarities between new Blues boss Maurizio Sarri and his former coach Pep Guardiola. Pedro played under Guardiola for five years in Barcelona, following the Catalan into the first team at Camp Nou after they worked together in the B side in 2007-08. Sarri only took over from Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge less than two weeks ago, but the Spanish winger has already noticed parallels with the Manchester City boss.
Big change for Chelsea
"They are similar. Their intensity, mentality. It is good," said Pedro. "It is good. These ideas, it will take time. The coach is very motivating. A really good, honest coach. I knew of him and what he did at Napoli. I was not close with him but he is a very good coach with very good ideas. When he arrived he was very good with the players, speaking a lot and really, really hammering on the pitch his ideas. It is a very big change for the players."
Jorginho debut
Sarri gained a reputation for an attacking brand of possession football at Napoli, where he was in charge for three seasons. He has already raided his former club as he looks to implement his style in west London, signing Italy midfielder Jorginho – who will make his first Chelsea appearance against Perth Glory on Monday – in a deal reportedly worth £57m.
Commenting on the new signing, Pedro said: "Jorginho is a very good player, clever, fast. This is good and a big challenge for him to play here in the Premier League but he is very strong."