In an interview, Marcello Lippi, former coach of the 2006 World Cup-winning Italian national team and successful Juventus manager, spoke about Juventus and other topics.
The First Scudetto with Juventus: Almost Thirty Years Ago
“We were modernity. I believe that team perfectly represented my idea of football: aggressive in every area of the pitch, organized but without the obsession with tactics that has now infected everyone a bit. I had players willing to sacrifice. The most difficult thing is understanding what people have inside, and then training their minds. How they play, you understand that in a flash.”
Lippi’s Relationship with Juventus
“What’s so special about Juventus? The history, and the competence of the people who run it. You really notice the difference only when you’re inside. Then, of course, Juventus isn’t just the most loved team, it’s also the most hated, it’s disliked because it has won so much. And so I say that it’s really good to be disliked. The Scudetto? I wouldn’t be surprised if Juve got back into the running too.”
Who is the Greatest?
“Mmmm, how can I choose? If I say Del Piero, I can’t not think of Zidane, if I say Zidane, I can’t not think of Del Piero… And then Vialli, who I miss so much: generous, ironic, very intelligent, a champion and a joker. But also Conte, who was my point of reference. And Pirlo, Nedved, Totti, Gattuso, Gigi… And Roberto Baggio, certainly: one of the greatest in history.”
Is it True That You and Baggio Didn’t Get Along?
“They embellished that story so much: nonsense. The strongest players I didn’t coach? Maradona, Messi and Van Basten, I’d say. Although the immense one, seen only on television, was Pelé.”
Those Born in 2006, the Year of Berlin, Will Soon Take Their High School Diploma…
“I hope that these new generations will take a look on YouTube, every now and then, to watch the matches of our World Cup. Having made so many people happy is the greatest satisfaction of my career. Coaching the Azzurri is a bit like being the President of the Republic: you belong to everyone. And I know they will never forget us.”
Nostalgia?
“I stopped five years ago now, and I honestly don’t miss the bench. What was I doing in 1982, on the night of the Bernabeu? I was watching and learning. That team, so aggressive and perfect, was one of my absolute models.”