Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini recently shared his thoughts on various aspects of football coaching and his potential future during the presentation of Luigi Garlando’s book. The experienced coach offered insights into the challenges of management, the importance of talent in modern football, and his views on potential opportunities abroad.
Reflecting on the role of a coach, Gasperini expressed empathy for his colleagues, stating, “I would put all coaches in Heaven. It’s a profession with incredible ups and downs: moments of exhilaration and moments when everyone is in difficulty. The choice to do this job alone deserves paradise.”
Gasperini emphasized the rarity of talent in today’s fast-paced football world. He described talent as “the most beautiful thing, the first thing you try to notice in a youth player: sensitivity, imagination, ease of play.” However, he cautioned against eliminating tactics from youth football, especially individual tactics, which he considers part of talent development.
When asked about the possibility of accepting an offer from Saudi Arabia, similar to Roberto Mancini’s recent move, Gasperini was cautious but open-minded. “It’s too early to say,” he remarked. “There was an opportunity, but I wasn’t mentally ready and had a commitment.” He added that he would consider such a move only if he believed he could bring something new to the table, beyond financial incentives. “It would be the crowning achievement of a career,” he mused.
Gasperini also touched on his coaching philosophy, noting that many of his ideas from years ago have now become widespread, particularly regarding defensive strategies. He emphasized the importance of attractive football, stating, “Football remains a spectacle: when you have such full stadiums, you must offer something that people like to those who pay.”
The Atalanta manager expressed his belief in the correlation between good football and success. “I’ve never had doubts: when a team expresses itself well, it has more chances of winning,” he asserted. Gasperini concluded by highlighting the importance of personal growth and resilience in football, saying, “When you manage to surpass yourself, there’s a great victory. And football also teaches you to lose and start again, creating a new goal.”
