Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri calls his Roma counterpart a ‘show animal’ but insists he doesn’t want to be involved in controversies.
The Biancocelesti boss attended an event in Castiglion Fiorentino on Monday night in the aftermath of a 1-0 win in the Rome derby.
Mourinho wasn’t on the touchline, serving the second of a two-match ban and Sarri was asked to comment on his rapport with the Special One.
“He is a show animal and the No.1 when it comes to pulling you into certain stories, but I don’t want to be involved,” Sarri said, as quoted by Gazzetta.
Lazio sit second in the Serie A table following Sunday’s derby win, but Sarri believes the Biancocelesti have a long path ahead.
However, they were dropped to Conference League from Europa League in 2022 and were eventually eliminated from the third European competition for clubs in the Round of 16 at the hands of AZ Alkmaar.
“We are trying to become a top team, but the path is long. We lack continuity and we’ve wasted points superficially.
“We didn’t do well in Europe and I think this has been an unconscious choice at the level of the group, perhaps at the level of the environment.
“I think having more Italians in the group gives an identity that foreign players can’t guarantee, but it’s hard to find Italian players who can raise the level,” he continued.
“The primary school is missing and it’s the street. Mancini is right when he talks about this.”
The Azzurri CT said at a press conference on Monday that Italy are struggling to develop new talents also because kids no longer play in the streets, contrary to what happens in South America.
“I am happy at Lazio and on good terms with the President, but I don’t see him too often since he’s become a Senator,” continued Sarri.
“I signed a contract extension 11 months ago, so I don’t think it’s something we need to discuss now.”