Maurizio Sarri: Manchester City have the world’s best midfield

Manchester City have the best collection of technical midfield players in Europe, according to Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri. Pep Guardiola’s side host Chelsea on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, looking for a win that will take them back level on points with Premier League leaders Liverpool. Sarri was praised for his tactical nous after Chelsea became the first team to beat City in domestic competition this season back in December, battling to a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge. The Italian expects another tough encounter and suggested his side would defend deeper than usual to contend with the quality of City’s midfield technicians. “You know very well that the midfield of Manchester City is one of the best in the world,” he said. “Not only Fernandinho but also Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and David Silva. Technically, they are the best midfield in Europe. “Maybe we have to defend lower. It wasn’t a choice in the last game, it was a necessity that we sat deeper in the second half in the last game and this will be the same. We will try to play our football, but if they are able to play their football, of course you have to stay lower.”