New Napoli Coach Maurizio Sarri reveals a debt to Arrigo Sacchi and explains his midfield tactical approach.
The former Empoli boss finally signed a one-year contract with an option for a second season last night, replacing Rafa Benitez.
“Sacchi is basically the keystone of our football, the man whose work we all studied,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.
“Aside from what one might think of him, there can be no doubt he revolutionised football. He put his mark on this sport, so you can really talk of a football before and after Sacchi.
New Napoli Coach Maurizio Sarri reveals a debt to Arrigo Sacchi and explains his midfield tactical approach.
The former Empoli boss finally signed a one-year contract with an option for a second season last night, replacing Rafa Benitez.
“Sacchi is basically the keystone of our football, the man whose work we all studied,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.
“Aside from what one might think of him, there can be no doubt he revolutionised football. He put his mark on this sport, so you can really talk of a football before and after Sacchi.
“If I became a Coach, I also owe it to Sacchi. Obviously then I studied further and evolved along my own path to take different avenues.”
Sacchi’s ‘Grande Milan’ side of the 1980s dominated world football with its trio of Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard, but above all its pressing game.
Sarri impressed this season with his Empoli side, who played organised and attractive football in all venues.
“I look carefully at the midfielder’s rapport between balls lost and vertical moves. I can accept a few more of the former if he runs into space and passes along those channels.
“At Empoli I analysed how many passes my defenders sent through Mirko Valdifiori, although obviously there are many unpredictable variables.
“The team has to be organised, but the children within the players must be allowed to have fun on the pitch.”