Walter Sabatini: ‘I would never have spent €60 million on Koopmeiners, I am more excited about Cabal’
Walter Sabatini, former sporting director of Inter and Roma, shared his thoughts on the current state of Serie A and Juventus’ recent moves in an interview with Tuttosport. On Thiago Motta’s impact at Juventus, Sabatini said: “Thiago Motta at Juventus is replicating what we saw in Bologna. A compact, strong team with clear tactical ideas […]
Walter Sabatini, former sporting director of Inter and Roma, shared his thoughts on the current state of Serie A and Juventus’ recent moves in an interview with Tuttosport.
On Thiago Motta’s impact at Juventus, Sabatini said: “Thiago Motta at Juventus is replicating what we saw in Bologna. A compact, strong team with clear tactical ideas and precise game concepts. He has his own playbook that he imposes with great authority: what he did in Bologna last year is something I’ve rarely observed in my career.”
Regarding Dusan Vlahovic, Sabatini expressed confidence: “I’m convinced Vlahovic will score at least 20 goals this season. Motta has helped even Zirkzee find the net, who had many qualities but wasn’t exactly a goalscorer before going to Bologna. However, with Thiago, he reached double figures.”
On the potential Koopmeiners transfer, Sabatini was more cautious: “I wouldn’t have spent almost 60 million euros for him. These aren’t the kind of investments I was used to during my career as a director. I used to acquire players at a different starting level.”
Sabatini was particularly enthusiastic about Juan Cabal: “For me, he’s a great signing. He’s a strong player who came from Colombia with less specific football culture, but he immediately proved himself at Verona. I think he can make a further leap in quality at Juve.”
Commenting on Paulo Dybala’s decision to stay at Roma, Sabatini said: “His refusal of Saudi Arabian money is an act of love and great generosity towards a great city and an important club like Roma, with an extraordinary fan base. And also towards himself.”
On Matias Soulé’s loan move to Roma, Sabatini stated: “He’s a fantastic player. The boy needed to go play. I’ll give you an example: Dani Olmo. When he went to Dinamo Zagreb, many had doubts. I myself was more than amazed. Then I understood it was the right choice.”
Finally, regarding Adrien Rabiot, Sabatini revealed: “I wanted to bring him to Roma. It was done when he was at the end of his contract with PSG, then I had an argument with his mother and the deal fell through. Certainly, if a player like him can’t find a team, it means something in the transfer market is changing.”
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