Chelsea: Reina talks 'Sarriball'

By Football Italia staff

Ex-Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina has explained how the success of ‘Sarriball’ lies in its execution. “In Italy they are tactically stronger, better positioned.”

Sarri is increasingly likely to leave Chelsea this summer, despite a third-place finish in the Premier League and two cup Finals, with his style of play proving divisive.

“I really enjoyed playing under Sarri,” Reina, who worked under the 60-year-old at Napoli, told The Independent.

“I consider myself good at it [playing the ball out as a goalkeeper to build the play]. It depends on the philosophy of the manager and the team.

“Sarri uses it more than others because he likes to be able to exploit a good goalkeeper who has feet like that.

“At some point, it [Sarriball] came natural to us, we played this way even blind. He just wants you to be brave on the ball and eventually it came natural.

“It’s all about executing: every League requires a different approach and in England the rhythm is different. In Italy they are tactically better and stronger, better positioned.”

“Sarri is a very complete manager. He is so cynical with every detail, every detail counts.

“It’s not just that [focusing on playing Sarriball]. It can turn you crazy because he likes to think about football 24 hours per day.”

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