Maurizio Sarri’s answer to the question about Saudi Arabia: the smoking factor

Former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri had a funny response when asked if he would consider working in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Professional League clubs are busy recruiting high-profile players, managers, coaches and directors.

Sarri, who is currently Lazio’s manager, came on his radar after guiding the Roma club to a second-place finish in Serie A last season.

Sarri, a smoker, said when asked if he was thinking about taking a position in Saudi Arabia: “Train in Saudi Arabia? Can I smoke there? Then we’ll see…”

60 CIGARETTES A DAY

Sarri, 64, is said to smoke an average of 60 cigarettes a day.

While his former club Napoli built a smoking area for Sarri in their own stadium, Europa League rivals RB Leipzig also created a special area in the away dressing room for a European match.

However, since stadiums have now become non-smoking areas, Sarri was banned from smoking on the touchline and was seen chewing on a cigarette on the touchline.

The 64-year-old is in his third year in charge of Lazio after replacing Simone Inzaghi in the summer of 2021. Sarri’s current contract with the club expires in the summer of 2025.

SARRI WANTS TO CONTINUE IN LAZIO

Last season, Sarri guided Lazio back to the Champions League after finishing second in Serie A.

Although things have been difficult this season, Roma are still on track to qualify for the round of 16 in Europe. The Italian coach reiterated his desire to complete his career at Lazio:

“I wish it were so. “I don’t set time limits, so it’s not just up to me.”