Maurizio Sarri has played down Jurgen Klopp’s belief that his Juventus side should be considered favourites to win the Champions League this season.
The Italian side have only won the competition twice in their history, once in the old European Cup format in 1985 and then again as the modern Champions League in 1996.
Sarri’s side are not in great form, having lost two of their last three games in Serie A, and have been overtaken at the top of the league by Inter Milan.
They face a relatively favourable-looking last-16 tie against Lyon, however, and when asked about who he fancies to win the competition Klopp said: “Juventus were my favourites before the season started but obviously I don’t watch Italian football enough because I cannot work out why they are not 10 points ahead at the top of Serie A.
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“They have the biggest squad I have ever seen in my life; quality players too, it’s crazy.”
Sarri did not appear to appreciate what sounded like a perceived dig at his team, however, and responded by saying: “Jurgen also said that he doesn’t watch much Italian football, so that explains his confusion!
“Jurgen is one of the smartest and funniest people I’ve ever known and what he’s doing here is shaking off the burden of being the favourites.”
Juventus take on Brescia this weekend as they look to keep pace with Inter, and Sarri insisted he is relishing being in such a tight title race.
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He added: “It was clear from the very start that this would be a different type of season. I think it’s motivating to be in a title race to the very end, so I feel we have to feed from this situation
“No single match is decisive. We just have to focus on ourselves and picking up as many points as possible.”
