Frosinone boss Eusebio Di Francesco reveals he studied Roberto De Zerbi and psychology books while preparing for his return to the bench and reveals Domenico Berardi refused to join Roma when he was in charge of the Giallorossi.
Di Francesco had not taken charge of a football club for almost two years following his sacking as Verona‘s coach in September 2021. He was appointed by newly promoted side Frosinone earlier this summer and has earned four points in the opening three Serie A games of the season.
“It’s an honour to be here, it’s a reality that is developing. Everyone is helpful and there is a passionate fanbase,” EDF told Gazzetta.
How did Frosinone director Guido Angelozzi convince him?
“He called me just to have a chat, and I didn’t think twice,” the coach admitted.
“I had a good offer from China, but Frosinone was the priority. As I always do, I prioritised the human aspect and not the money. I feel in the right place, I never thought about quitting football.”
Di Francesco was asked how he evolved during his time away from the dugout and what he studied to develop as a coach.
“I tried to evolve, I appreciated De Zerbi’s work, which is interesting for the identity he gives to his teams,” he admitted.
“I spent time with my family and played padel. I took my responsibility. I had to put in more intensity and I understood that overthinking does not help. I’ve learned a lot from psychology. I read Mindset by Carol Dweck and ‘Thinking fast and slow’ by Daniel Kahneman.”
Di Francesco also met his former Roma coach Zeman a few times.
“Twice at the stadium, more frequently for dinner. He loves fish, arrosticini and it’s a pleasure to talk about everything with him. He still wants to coach and the results are there.”
Has Di Francesco’s tactical approach changed?
“I was more rigid, now the idea is to have a dynamic 4-3-3 with full-backs going inside the pitch and be ‘more Dutch’ as Renzo Ulivieri used to say. Theo Hernandez is an example of a modern full-back.”
Frosinone have already beaten Atalanta this season and will face Di Francesco’s ex-club Sassuolo after the break. Is he on good terms with the Neroverdi’s star Domenico Berardi?
“He’s an added value for Sassuolo to whom I am still attached. It’s a shame he doesn’t play in the Champions League. I wanted him at Roma, but the directors were not convinced. He didn’t feel wanted and he refused to join. I still bring him as an example for my players,” concluded Di Francesco.