Empoli’s Riccardo Saponara says Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri is ‘the best at mental management’ but praises ‘father figure’ Maurizio Sarri.
The 23-year-old played under Allegri at Milan and Sarri at Empoli, but is baffled by his lack of an Italy call-up from Antonio Conte.
“I believe in the mental management of games, Allegri is the best,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“When I got to Milan he took great care of that aspect. He reacts in the same way whether you lose or you win.
Empoli’s Riccardo Saponara says Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri is ‘the best at mental management’ but praises ‘father figure’ Maurizio Sarri.
The 23-year-old played under Allegri at Milan and Sarri at Empoli, but is baffled by his lack of an Italy call-up from Antonio Conte.
“I believe in the mental management of games, Allegri is the best,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“When I got to Milan he took great care of that aspect. He reacts in the same way whether you lose or you win.
“Even though a defeat can lower self-esteem, he worked hard on this point of view.
“My relationship with him? We appreciated each other by tacit agreement.
"For Sarri is like a father. For a boy, more than a player, he can really grab you in the right way.
“At first I was annoyed by how he underlined any small moment of weakness. It’s surprising how he manages to get under your skin.
“For three years has was a father figure, generating an evolution that was frightening for everyone.
“Conte? I don’t know why he hasn’t called me up, it should be asked of him.
“The piano? I admit, I like to play to distract myself. I’m a bit of a novice, I wouldn’t advise anyone to listen to me.
“My idol? Kaka, I am inspired by him.”