'I'll train the bad players here' - Maurizio Sarri explains why he rejected mega Saudi Arabia offer to return to Lazio

Sarri is one of the coaches who has risen from the bottom and has been deeply involved in the intricacies of the game. The Italian's spell with Empoli, which saw them gain promotion to Serie A, was a significant achievement in his career that eventually led him to join Napoli. After a spell away from the game, he recently returned to the Lazio hot seat after rejecting lucrative offers from the Middle East, with Sarri saying his motivation stems from chasing passion rather than material gains.

When Sarri wanted to end his sabbatical, many Italian clubs tried to hire him, but his heart was set on Lazio. There were multiple offers from the Saudi Pro League as they sought to bring in more big names in the transfer window. However, for Sarri, it has always been his passion that has taken centre stage in his decision-making, and as a coach, he believes even if champions are moving to Saudi, he'll train the so-called 'less talented' ones at his disposal.

Sarri said to Alfred Pedulla: "This year too I had a negotiation with a Saudi team, where I would have earned in a month as much as Lazio would have earned in a year. Since last year I said that I would go where my heart would take me, not money. I’m not interested. I’ve always played football for passion, I wouldn’t want to start doing it now for money."

Asked why he rejected Saudi money, the Lazio manager said: "I don’t know, it’s something that, if I think about it, doesn’t provoke emotional reactions in me and doesn’t give me motivation. It would be difficult for me to coach there. If they bring the champions there, I will train the bad ones here."

With Sarri's reappointment, the focus of the club shifts to bringing in players for their upcoming campaign. The Italian's first move was to extend Pedro's contract with the club. The Italian club will focus on bringing a balance of young and seasoned talent to Stadio Olimpico before the league kicks off in August.