Shakhtar Donetsk coach Roberto De Zerbi explains why he hasn’t much hope in the Champions League and how Sassuolo helped Manuel Locatelli reach the right level for Juventus and Italy.
The former Sassuolo boss is working in Ukraine now and having his first experience in the Champions League.
“I had a few difficulties with the language and it’s a different type of football, but this is the second time after Foggia that I really am challenging to win something,” De Zerbi told radio show Tutti Convocati.
“It was satisfying to beat reigning champions Dinamo Kiev 3-0 in the Ukraine Supercup. Playing in the Champions League is a good spotlight, and it’s great for someone who started in Serie D nine years ago, but I care more about the domestic title, because Shakhtar need to get the hierarchy back in place in Ukraine.
“We’re not yet ready to compete in the Champions League the way I want to, as too many players are still green.”
De Zerbi was brought to Shakhtar Donetsk for his exciting style of football, although it’s an approach he admits doesn’t always come off.
“I know what people say about those who focus on playing beautiful football, that they end up watching while the others win, but that just motivates me and gives me even more desire to win.”
This debate is also on-going in Italian football, fuelled in part by De Zerbi, but also Roberto Mancini’s Italy side, including ex-Sassuolo midfielder Locatelli.
“I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way to think about football. In moving to Juventus, Locatelli realised what it means to be at a big club and feel that kind of pressure. I had no doubts he’d make his mark, as he has the healthy arrogance of someone at his level and the Euros really helped his confidence.
“I don’t know if he would’ve had the same career path if he’d gone back to Milan from his loan, because at Sassuolo he realised it was a step backwards for his own good. Sometimes, a step back can then allow you to make two or three steps forward.”
Le parole di De Zerbi https://t.co/lV4mvxjoEZ
— CalcioNews24.com (@CalcioNews24) October 10, 2021