Maurizio Sarri explains ‘big f***ing difference’ between himself and Jose Mourinho

'There is a big f***ing difference between working at Stia and Barcelona'

Maurizio Sarri has suggested that there are a number of differences between himself and Roma manager Jose Mourinho, despite the two managers having similarities in their past. Lazio - managed by Sarri - finished one point ahead of Roma last season, although Mourinho's side did lift the Europa Conference League trophy in Tirana after beating Feyenoord. The two clubs, both situated in the same city, missed out on Champions League qualification. They will be keen to improve on last season as they attempt to close the gap on the sides that finished above them.

'There is a big f***ing difference'

While Sarri and Mourinho share similarities - with both having managed Chelsea during their careers - the Lazio boss insists that the pair are very different. "I like Mourinho," Sarri told Corriere dello Sport (via Roma Press). "The differences depend mainly on the starting point, on our different origins. "I grew up among amateurs, people of another level. To win, I had to come up with good solutions to compensate for the limits of the individuals at my disposal." "Mourinho started at Barcelona and invested a lot in the quality of the players. There is a big f***ing difference between working at Stia and Barcelona."

Sarri and Mourinho's contrasting careers

The 63-year-old Sarri has managed more than 20 different sides, with the Blues the only one of those not in Italy. He also spent a number of years managing amateur and lower-league clubs. On the other hand, Mourinho has spent most of his career with Europe's top clubs. Roma and Lazio earned one win apiece when they met in Serie A last season, with a 3-2 win for Lazio in the first half of the campaign followed by a 3-0 Roma victory in the reverse fixture. Related links:

• José Mourinho explains what happened between him and Maurizio Sarri after touchline fracas
• Jose Mourinho storms on to pitch in attempt to get Sunderland player sent off
• Ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri floored by Udinese player in Coppa Italia clash