Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini looks back and claims he was ‘just a phase’ at Inter and his different style ‘wasn’t accepted’: “The players were too pleased.”
Inter hired Gasperini in June 2011 to replace Leonardo, who had started a career as sporting director at Paris Saint-Germain.
But Gasperini reveals the Nerazzurri tried to get current Leeds United coach Marcelo Bielsa before going for the former Genoa coach.
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini looks back and claims he was ‘just a phase’ at Inter and his different style ‘wasn’t accepted’: “The players were too pleased.”
Inter hired Gasperini in June 2011 to replace Leonardo, who had started a career as sporting director at Paris Saint-Germain.
But Gasperini reveals the Nerazzurri tried to get current Leeds United coach Marcelo Bielsa before going for the former Genoa coach.
“Before me, they tried to get Marcelo Bielsa,” Gaspeini told Mister Condo at Sky Sport Italia. “Leonardo’s farewell had rocked them.
“I was very well received by the people. I clearly have my characteristics, Inter were a great opportunity for me.”
But Gasperini only lasted five winless games at the helm, as he was sacked the day after a 3-1 defeat to Novara in Serie A on September 20.
“I don’t know what they expected from me, I didn’t want to change myself. They all, even the owner, wanted to keep their habits. They had brought me in to go through a phase, maybe to manage for a season.
“I wanted to revive the players, but they were too pleased. To train and play in a different way wasn’t accepted.
“The fact that Inter played with three at the back was not received well. There are some presumptions in the city of Milan. I often hear that in Europe you can’t help but play four at the back, it’s not like that.”
In hindsight, Gasperini, who has led Atalanta to the last eight in the Champions League this season, claimed he should have had a different approach when he entered the job at San Siro.
“Looking back, I would enter that reality much stronger and more credible, certain contexts are impossible to conquer with time and playing style.
“I don’t believe in managed football, but in the coached football.”