Sacchi Critical of Mancini’s Approach

Former AC Milan and Internazionale boss, Arrigo Sacchi, is critical of Roberto Mancini’s approach to coaching Inter. Sacchi himself enjoyed a long and fruitful career, coaching both teams and is considered to be one of the greatest football managers of all time.

Recently the former coach, took the opportunity to express his opinion on Inter’s current boss, Roberto Mancini. Mancini made a surprising return to the Internazionale last winter, when it was announced he is to replace Walter Mazzarri.

Earlier this week, Sacchi reportedly deemed Mancini’s coaching style “ancient”. Last Sunday, the Nerazzurri played against Serie A team Frosinone at their home ground, the San Siro. The Internazionale won the match with 4 to 0, which is their biggest win for the season. The victory cemented the team’s position at the top of the Serie A standings table, as they are two points ahead of runners-up Napoli.

This season Inter has won a total of eight times. Seven of those are 1 to 0 victories. In Sacchi’s opinion, coach Mancini should switch to a daring approach by implementing a more attacking game.

Later Sacchi explained his words had been misinterpreted. The former coach clarified he had branded Inter’s style of play as “revisited, not “ancient”. He went on to say his opinion of Mancini is extremely high, however the current coach should look to reconsider his approach, as in many countries it would not be appreciated.

In Sacchi’s own opinion such an approach is suitable in countries like Italy, where all that matters is winning. However, in other European countries, football is viewed more like a spectacle and fans enjoy the game for its aesthetic and entertaining value. According to Sacchi, in his home country football is not even a sport as rules are not always followed.

Sacchi believes winning should not be the players’ only incentive. Quality and aesthetics should also be taken into consideration in order for the players to continue to develop. The former coach continued by drawing a comparison between Inter Milan and their rivals. Sacchi observed teams like Napoli and Fiorentina employ a different style of play, a style which transformed Serie A for the better. Sassuolo and Empoli, on the other hand, have achieved a certain degree of harmony, which allows both teams to play great football.

Marco Materazzi, the Internazionale’s former defender, begs to differ. Materazzi played with the Nerazzurri in the 2010 UEFA Champions League Final and assisted the Italians in their win against Bayern Munich. The defender is convinced Inter’s players possess all the necessary qualities to win the league. Rival teams might be more entertaining to watch, but they lack determination, Materazzi proceeded. The player admitted some Serie A teams like Napoli, Roma and Fiorentina play better at the moment, but there’s no guarantee they will manage to keep up with this rhythm. Materazzi then expressed his doubts of Juventus winning the Scudetto title, and concluded with the prediction Milan will likely make it to the Europa League only.