Why Ex-Chelsea manager rejected the chance to coach Awoniyi and Aina in the Premier League

Roma and Lazio bosses Jose Mourinho and Mauricio Sarri | Imago

Why Ex-Chelsea manager rejected the chance to coach Awoniyi and Aina in the Premier League

Ayoola Kelechi 14:48 - 26.03.2024

The Nigerian duo missed out on being coached by one of the best trainers in the world

Italian reports claim that Nottingham Forest offered Maurizio Sarri a three-year contract after he resigned from Lazio, but he turned them down.

The coach handed in his resignation on March 13 following a run of four consecutive defeats in all competitions.

Nottingham Forest approach Sarri after Lazio exit

He is therefore technically available, after terminating the contract with Lazio by mutual consent. According to Sportitalia transfer expert Alfredo Pedulla, a couple of days after that incident, Nottingham Forest contacted Sarri’s representatives to ask if he would like to immediately take on a new role in the Premier League.

The club is struggling at the moment following a four-point penalty for Financial Fair Play breaches and poor results under Nuno Espirito Santo. They were prepared to offer Sarri a three-year contract, with the promise of reinforcements to the squad over the summer.

Sarri's decision to turn down Nottingham Forest

However, Sarri was not interested and is going to take a few months out before deciding on his next course of action. He has already been repeatedly linked with the Fiorentina job, which would allow him to move back home.

The decision to reject Nottingham Forest's offer may have been influenced by various factors, including the current state of the club, the potential for future reinforcements, and Sarri's desire for a period of reflection before committing to a new role.

Potential Impact on Awoniyi and Aina

Sarri's rejection means that players like Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina, who could have potentially worked under him in the Premier League, will have to continue under Nuno Espirito Santo.

While Sarri's immediate future remains uncertain, his decision to take time off suggests that he is carefully considering his options and weighing up potential opportunities, including the possibility of returning to management in Italy with Fiorentina.

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