Manchester City star Leroy Sane believes that Chelsea’s appointment of new boss Maurizio Sarri will make them a contender for the Premier League title.
Sane, who was part of the City team that faced Sarri’s former Napoli side in last season’s Champions League group stage, says the Italian manager will help Chelsea become the Premier League holders’s biggest threat in the new campaign.
Speaking to Sky Sports Sane said: “I think Chelsea [will be contenders] because they have brought a really good coach.
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“If you have seen how Napoli played last season, it was really, really attractive and really good. We really suffered against them.
“They will need some time to get really used to his tactics. They could be really tough. Also Liverpool too – they bought really good players. They could be really strong next season.”
Pep helped with World Cup omission
After helping City secure the Premier League title with a record 100-point tally last season, Sane was dealt a devastating blow when he was left out of Joachim Low’s Germany squad for the World Cup in Russia.
The 22-year-old winger told The Daily Telegraph that City coach Pep Guardiola helped him overcome the disappointment.
“Yes, Pep had a chat with me after it happened,” said Sane. “We talked about everything and how my mind was and now we are just looking forward.
“I was disappointed but, from that moment and now, I’m just looking forward. I’m just preparing to be ready for the start of the new season. It gives you motivation. It would be a dream to play in the World Cup.
“When I watched the World Cup I had the feeling that I wanted to be there. But I’m 22 and I still have a lot of years to prepare.
“I was disappointed at the time – it was really hard for the first week. It has just made me want to come back really strong. It was a surprise because I thought I’d played quite a good season. I’m still feeling it [the disappointment] a bit but it’s another season for me and I’m looking forward to it.”
Champions City start their title defence with an away trip to Arsenal on Sunday 12 August (4pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports).
