3 days ago
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Roberto De Zerbi has once again admitted that he is keeping an eye on his former club AC Milan, denying talks over the Inter job.
Despite originally being from the Lombardy city of Brescia, De Zerbi became attached to Milan in his younger years as he was part of the academy from 1995 all the way until 2002. He never cracked the first team, but some of the champions at the club in that time helped his footballing indication.
Though he has often been linked with a return as head coach, the Italian is currently in France where he is doing a good job at Marseille. Having guided them back into the Champions League, they have won nine of 14 games in the league and are two points off RC Lens in top spot.
‘Like a footballing mother’
De Zerbi gave a lengthy interview to Sportitalia in which covered a wide range of topics, from his football philosophy to his relationship with Italy, his ties with Milan and the Inter rumours. Calciomercato.com relayed his comments.
What is it like at Marseille?
“I’m trying to do things properly. It’s difficult. The competition is really tough, aside from PSG, who are like Martians when they’re doing well, but there are so many teams. From the outside, Ligue 1 isn’t as strong as it is from the inside.
“We could have had a few more points in the league and the Champions League, but we’re doing quite well. Of the teams I’ve coached, it’s perhaps the least attractive from a footballing perspective, but it’s the one that scores the most points and goals.
“I think playing football in Marseille is very difficult. It’s a special city for football, it’s southern Italy to the maximum, and the pressure is different than any other French club.”
What is your philsophy?
“I can only express myself when the deepest part of me comes out. Today I feel more complete than in the past; I manage everything better, even though I’m never happy. I hate having regrets and remorse, even if I would make some choices differently.”
Is it true you could have returned to Italy in the summer? Possibly with Inter?
“I’m not so interested in the country, Italy has its charms too. I speak, eat, and breathe Italian. Maybe in the future… we’ll see. If I don’t end up in Italy, it wouldn’t be a problem. Inter in the summer? No, zero, no contact.”
Especially because of your connection with Milan…
“Milan was like a footballing mother to me. I’m very attached to my old club. It helped me gain a foothold in football. I have a special fondness for Milan, but that’s it. I don’t want to close any loops.”
What happened with Rabiot and his fight?
“He was a champion before he came here, and he’s a champion after he left. He’s a great guy, an exemplary professional, but there are rules. We intervened, and the situation got worse. Obviously, we miss him, and as a player, he’s hard to replace, but at that moment, it was the right thing to do.”
Estupinan and Luis Henrique play in Milano, two players you know well…
“Luis Henrique needs confidence and belief in his abilities. Having the right qualities doesn’t mean a bright future, but he has them and he has to prove them in a big club; it’s not easy. Estupinan’s difficulties at Milan? But I think there are players who settle in in some areas, but struggle in others.”
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