Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri reveals he and Eddie Howe have shared training camps at Empoli and Bournemouth as they prepare to face-off on the south coast this weekend
Maurizio Sarri revealed he has spent a significant amount of time in Eddie Howe’s company and that the pair have shared training camps in the past.
The Chelsea boss was full or praise for Howe as he spoke ahead of their meeting on the south coast on Saturday and said the pair have stayed with each other during pre-season on two separate occasions.
Sarri revealed the pair first came across each other four years ago when Howe came to Emploi and stayed with him for a few days. The Italian also visited Bournemouth last year with Napoli for a pre-season friendly.
The Italian manager is aware of his opposite number’s qualities and is expecting Howe’s men to provide a stern test for his side at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.
Asked if he knew much about Saturday’s opponents Bournemouth, Sarri responded: ‘Yes, I think I know very well.
‘Eddie [Howe] came to Empoli four years ago and we stayed in Empoli for four days.
‘Last season when I was at Naples we went to Bournemouth for three days for the friendly match so we stayed together for three days. So I know him very well.
‘I think he is a very interesting young coach and I think he will make a mark on English football in the future.
‘His side will be very dangerous opposition for us and I think it will be a difficult match. But we want to be in control of the match and try to gain the points.’
Sarri, who spent three years at Empoli between 2012-15, admitted he is delighted by the start his side have made with three wins from their first three Premier League games.
But the 59-year-old is not getting carried away. He added: ”I am very happy with the nine points in the three matches, but the table is not important at the moment.
‘Now is the time to improve and to work and we have the potential to improve more.’
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