The Russian side was interested in him before they closed for Mancini
TRANSFER MARKET SARRI ZENIT NAPOLI / Napoli's recent Champions League defeat doesn't change what the Italian coach has done in the last few years. Maurizio Sarri has surprised everyone with his ability to inject his tactical schemes in his players' minds. His work is currently appreciated not only in Italy but in Europe as well.
After having reported about Atletico Madrid's interest in Napoli's coach here is a new behind the scene offer that we can unveil. As Rai's journalist Ciro Venerato stated, Zenit had made an offer for Sarri in the past transfer window.
“Before they decided to sing Roberto Mancini, Zenit called Pellegrini to make an important offer for Sarri. The Italian coach is very much appreciated in the U.K. too. West Ham would love to sign him. However, due to his very low buyout clause (€8 million), he can be appetible for the Italian sides too. He is the best coach in Italy by far. De Laurentiis must do something if he doesn't want to lose him soon. He should offer €3-4 million a season, otherwise, Sarri could leave.”
The relationship between Sarri and De Laurentiis is made of highs and lows. Probably, the worst moment of their relationship was right after the Champions League match against Real Madrid when Napoli's President fiercely attacked the tactical scheme implemented by his coach.
This summer the situation didn't change much. Napoli's strategy on the transfer window could be good but the Italian coach clearly stated that without new acquisitions the club cannot hope for the Scudetto.
“Last season we ended up in the third position. Milan and Inter are coming back purchasing great players. It's silly to think that we are the favorite for the Italian title. We kept the same team we had last year. If everything goes well we have at least two clubs still ahead of us. Then there are the two clubs of Milan…”
