Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has tipped Liverpool to win the Premier League this season.
Sarri commented about the Reds’hopeful chance during his press conference on Friday ahead of the Blues’ hosting the league leaders on Saturday evening.
It is the second meeting between the two sides in four days after Chelsea ended Liverpool’s perfect start to the season with a 2-1 victory at Anfield to reach the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Victory for unbeaten Chelsea, who lost their 100 per cent start to the season last week in a 0-0 draw at West Ham, would lift them above Jurgen Klopp’s side.
“Yes, it’s very strange, but what’s important is that now they are ready,” Sarri said when asked whether he was surprised by Liverpool’s 28-year wait for a league title.
“They’re a top-level team. They have worked with the same coach for four seasons; they are ready now to win the Premier League
“Tomorrow it’s another match in another competition with a different starting XI. I think maybe Liverpool can increase the determination after Wednesday, it was a difficult match on Wednesday, and it’ll be a difficult match tomorrow.”
Sarri would also speake highly of Eden Hazard, who has scored five goals in Chelsea’s opening six league games and netted a stunning winner at Anfield on Wednesday, but says he is not yet the best player in the world.
Instead, the Italian believes Hazard can reach his full potential if he shows more intensity in training.
“I think that he’s for sure one of the best but I’m absolutely convinced that he can improve,” Sarri said.
“If he can improve during training maybe he will be able to use and serve at 100 per cent. Because I think that we have seen only 70-80 per cent of his potential, so if he can improve he can be the best in the world.
“It’s difficult to compare him with other players. He’s a genius, I think he’s unique.”