:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63896476/1148061898.jpg.0.jpg)
A brief detour into a sensational Guardiola rumor aside, Maurizio Sarri remains the “hot favorite” to be the next head coach at Juventus, with the Old Lady expected to make their official approach after the Europa League final. Chelsea’s asking price is 5m (the currency depends on who’s reporting it), and while we apparently don’t want to sack him, we’re also not exactly putting up big barriers for him leaving.
That seems to be the accepted story in both the Italian and the English media. Some details might differ, but that basic structure remains the same. The Italians seem especially convinced, with Sarri making the rounds on all the front pages. On Saturday, it was Tuttosport’s turn, with Higuain (set to return) and Dybala (set to stay) flanking him.
Tuttosport. May 25.#frontpage #primapagina #rassegnastampa #portada #backpage #football #sports pic.twitter.com/nr3saSo1RE
— Tijani Goullet AD (@TijaniGoulletAD) May 24, 2019
Yesterday, a brief stir in the status quo caused by the Italian news agency AGI, who published a rather detailed report — specific dates and all! — of Juventus appointing Pep Guardiola this summer on a four-year deal, with a €24m salary. Apparently, the contract “will” be signed on June 4 and the new coach will be announced on June 14.
Manchester City of course rubbished the story soon after, with City board member Alberto Galassi branding it ridiculous ... which it probably is. Then again, the Cristiano Ronaldo rumor was ridiculous last summer, too.
Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino has recommitted himself to Spurs, which probably rules him out of the running as well.
So that leaves Sarri, as well as Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi, though the club president there, Claudio Lotito, seems far less open to the idea of letting the head coach go than Chelsea seem to be to the idea of letting Sarri go.
If it is going to be Sarri, at least one person would be quite amused.
“It’d be even more fun if he came to Juventus and we won the Scudetto against him next season.”
-Aurelio De Laurentiis; source: Radio Kiss Kiss via Football Italia
ADL also says he’ll be rooting for Chelsea in Baku. Thanks, ADL!