Maurizio Sarri says Jose Mourinho deserves more respect for his achievements amid continued scrutiny of his record at Manchester United.
Mourinho has faced criticism for United’s disappointing start to the season – with the team lying eighth in the Premier League – and has reportedly fallen out with midfielder Paul Pogba.
In August, the Portuguese stormed out of a press conference after a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, demanding journalists showed him more respect.
Sarri’s Chelsea host United in the Premier League on Saturday – live on Sky Sports – and the Blues boss supported his counterpart, saying: “We are talking about a coach who has won everything.
“He has won everywhere, so I think that I have to respect him. But I think also, you all have to respect him.”
United travel to Stamford Bridge knowing they trail their opponents by seven points, but Sarri believes Mourinho’s side are possibly the best in the league.
He explained: “They are a very strong team. Maybe player-by-player, they are the best team in the Premier League.
“At the moment I think City is better like a team. But player-by-player, they are really very strong.”
