MILAN – It was an afternoon among friends on today’s edition of "Quelli che il calcio" on Rai Due. Inter coach Walter Mazzarri was hosted by Nicola Savino to talk about his book "Il meglio deve ancora venire", and more.
When speaking of his book, co-written with Alessandro Alciato, it was inevitable that he would discuss the relationship with his son Gabriel, to whom the book is dedicated: "He’s about to turn 19. He’s a man and he used to call me ‘Mister Broccolo’. Since he was a child it was strange for him to hear his father called ‘Mister’. Once it happened at a restaurant and he was struck by it. Back then one of his favourite cartoon characters was called Broccolo and he started using that name for me [smiling]."
When speaking of his book, co-written with Alessandro Alciato, it was inevitable that he would discuss the relationship with his son Gabriel, to whom the book is dedicated: "He’s about to turn 19. He’s a man and he used to call me ‘Mister Broccolo’. Since he was a child it was strange for him to hear his father called ‘Mister’. Once it happened at a restaurant and he was struck by it. Back then one of his favourite cartoon characters was called Broccolo and he started using that name for me [smiling]."
Is it a better choice to invite the Nerazzurri coach to dinner rather than interview him? "I believe so because those who have gone out to dinner with me have received different responses. Also, the book’s author, Alessandro Alciato, is a journalist, and from the outside he saw a side of me that is much different than the one he got to know."
He also talked about Inter and yesterday’s game against Hellas Verona, in which Mazzarri’s ideas were on display: "You could also see them early in the season, then we went through a bit of a delicate moment. As far as the play and results go, we’re starting to do what I had in mind. Jonathan for the Italian national team? It would represent one more victory for me. He’s a young man and you know how he was considered last year. He wasn’t even well regarded by our own fans. I helped him."
In his book Mazzarri discusses his desire to eventually buy a football team. He explained: "I think that for the wealth of experience I have, and having begun from less than zero and covered many roles, knowing what a stockroom manager thinks, a doctor, etc. I believe I have a lot of experience that can help me manage every aspect of the footballing world."
On his state of mind during a game and what he discusses on the bench with Nicolò Frustalupi, his second in command: "I still haven’t learned how to lose well, and I’m in a bad mood when it happens. Frustalupi? When you do my job you know you can’t trust just anyone, and when I have to vent he’s the victim. He’s very good. He’s young and gives me a lot of help. Tactically we handle everything together, and when something goes wrong we discuss it together."
Mazzarri then talked about his attitude towards money and whether or not it has changed over time: "I believe I’ve hung onto true values and I know what kind of salaries normal people make. I think I live the life I always have. My father taught me a lot of things, and if I’ve got where I have it’s because of the work ethic he instilled in me. I believe the things he taught me and my brother, who has also made it far in his profession, helped us get where we are."
On the differences between Naples and Milan, and the presidents he’s worked with: "Here, at least, the only real difference with president Thohir is the language. I’ve always had an excellent rapport with my clubs’ presidents, and when you have that you’re also in better shape to coach the team. Is it just chance that we’re seeing a better Inter side now that the ownership situation is clear? What’s clear is that this is a peculiar year."
With Daniele Tombolini, an ex-football referee and current sports commentator, it was inevitable the discussion would turn to Inter’s long draught without a penalty in their favour. Mazzarri was then asked if a referee during an Inter match is under pressure and asks himself many questions before awarding a penalty. Is it a bit counterproductive to discuss it so much in the post-game? "I’ve asked myself the same question. From a human standpoint I can say the refs are people like you and me and have to manage things quickly. The referee just has to say alert and enforce the rules carefully. But it’s true the younger refs could be influenced by this."
On handling Fredy Guarin: "For me, managing the group is the easiest thing. When you believe you’re prepared and can transmit your knowledge to the lads I don’t think there’s a problem of management. I’ve dealt with him like I have all the others, having him train and talking to him when necessary, trying to help him improve where it’s needed, for example in his consistency in the game," concluded the Nerazzurri coach.
