Jorginho has revealed that Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is so superstitious that he will never touch the Blues’ match ball, believing it would bring his side bad luck.
The Italian manager has a reputation for being particularly wary of unwittingly cursing his sides, and the midfielder says that this includes a refusal to have any contact with match balls.
Speaking to Chelsea TV, he said: “It’s really easy to understand him you know. The way he seems - that’s how he is. He has no secrets. He’s a simple guy. He has his beliefs, his superstitions. Everyone does.
“For example, he won’t touch the match ball ever. Even if we’re losing, the ball goes out and we need to get the ball back in play as fast as possible, he won’t go near it. No way – he won’t touch it."
He added: “There are other things too, but that’s normal, no?”
The former banker is no stranger to superstition either. While managing Sansovino in the Italian fourth tier he crashed into a player’s car before a game which his side went on to win. The following week he repeated the feat before a crucial top-of-the-table clash - he won again.
Whether it is luck or skill, Sarri is clearly doing something right. The Italian has overseen an unbeaten start to his time in the Premier League since making the move to Stamford Bridge from Napoli over the summer.
The manager worked alongside Italy international Jorginho during his time in Naples and Sarri has spoken of the importance of the midfielder to his style of play.
Also speaking to Chelsea TV, he said: “Jorginho for me was important because he’s been with me for four years.
“He’s my reference point in terms of how I approach the team and vice versa. He’s a player who perfectly suits my way of playing."
The Brazilian-born playmaker has been hugely impactful since moving to England, setting records for his impressive passing displays and allowing the likes of N’Golo Kante and Ross Barkley to flourish in more attacking roles.