When Antonio Conte took over from Jose Mourinho, he interpreted his brief to include more than football coaching.
To counter the toxic negativity of Jose Mourinho’s final days (even through the interim lens of Guus Hiddink), he went on a charm offensive around Cobham, introducing himself to even the least football-related employee and making them feel as though they were all part of the greater battle.
He was even friendly with the media (for 12 months).
He also imposed dietary restrictions on the players — “at the end of my career I started to eat very well, and I felt the benefit of this”, he said, espousing in a very 21st century vibe.
Gone from the cafeteria were ketchup, fizzy drinks and brown sauce. Probably other stuff too, since Conte watched his own carbs religiously and emphasized a healthy balance between protein, carbs and fat.
When Maurizio Sarri took over from Antonio Conte, he interpreted his brief to include more than football coaching.
To counter the toxic negativity of Antonio Conte’s final days … well, here’s where we speak in tongues. Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose — the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Or in the vernacular of Annie Get Your Gun, anything Conte can do, Sarri can undo better.
Maurizio Sarri loosens rules on Chelsea squad's diet and match preparation in bid to create more relaxed post-Conte atmosphere | @SamWallaceTelhttps://t.co/wAQfZrJ8Z6
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) August 14, 2018