Ronald de Boer reveals his brother, Inter Coach Frank, “wants to be champion of Italy” but this season the aim is “to fight for the top positions”.
The Dutchman replaced Roberto Mancini on the Nerazzurri bench this summer, and has endured a mixed start to the season with just three wins from seven games.
Ronald played with his twin brother at Ajax, Barcelona and Rangers, as well as being on his staff at Ajax, and offered an insight into the former defender’s mentality.
Ronald de Boer reveals his brother, Inter Coach Frank, “wants to be champion of Italy” but this season the aim is “to fight for the top positions”.
The Dutchman replaced Roberto Mancini on the Nerazzurri bench this summer, and has endured a mixed start to the season with just three wins from seven games.
Ronald played with his twin brother at Ajax, Barcelona and Rangers, as well as being on his staff at Ajax, and offered an insight into the former defender’s mentality.
“Was he more influenced by Johan Cruyff or Louis van Gaal?” De Boer considered, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It’s a mixture, Cruyff was extemporaneous, whereas Van Gaal knew that it takes a structure at every level. Frank absorbed that passion for a structure.
“Obviously he wants to win every game, and he won’t be pleased if they lose or even if they draw. He wants to be champion of Italy, but for the moment I’d say it’s realistic to fight for the top positions.
“Frank always thinks big though, as he should do in his role.”
Some say it’s hard for a Dutch Coach to adapt to the very tactical style in Serie A…
“You need to have a vision and be able to be flexible. Frank’s football ideas are the same as mine and have never changed: you need people who can play the ball, including the defenders.
“I remember my second match at Barcelona, Van Gaal decided to play me at full-back even though I was a midfielder.
“We played Real Madrid and we won 3-0, so that’s what I mean when I say you have to be able to play the ball in any area of the pitch.
“Of course, sometimes when you face a better opponent you need to know how to adapt.”