Beppe Iachini believes he “needed more time” to make a success of it at Udinese, as his replacement Gigi Del Neri debuts against Juventus.
That game kicks off tonight at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“The dismissal was disappointing, because I got on well with everyone,” Iachini told Tuttomercatoweb.
Beppe Iachini believes he “needed more time” to make a success of it at Udinese, as his replacement Gigi Del Neri debuts against Juventus.
That game kicks off tonight at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“The dismissal was disappointing, because I got on well with everyone,” Iachini told Tuttomercatoweb.
“I had a good rapport with the squad and for three or four weeks we’d been working on a new system that needed to be honed. We had beaten Empoli and Milan, but in the final month were missing important players with characteristics that were very useful for the team.
“I am not saying that those who did play weren’t up to the task, but obviously they were young and needed time to get used to certain concepts. We dropped a few points and the performance against Lazio was not good, but if we’d had time to hone certain things and work in peace, we could’ve had a fine season.
“I was pleased to hear Danilo and Duvan Zapata say kind things about me after my departure, as that proves we had a good rapport. At times results can make a big difference. We had been pushing forward these new concepts for a few weeks.
“The problem was that we started pre-season training with the idea of using a 3-5-2 system, then had to change when new players arrived. We just needed more time.”
Iachini is no stranger to getting sacked, as he was famously fired and rehired by Palermo last season only to resign after President Maurizio Zamparini criticised him on a radio show.
“In football nobody has a magic wand, it takes hard work and patience. At times players arrive on transfer deadline day, but it takes time to work and give an identity to the squad. That goes for all Coaches, it’s a job that requires time.
“It also applies to Giampiero Ventura and the Italy squad. He too doesn’t have a magic wand and can’t find the key to success so quickly. There has to be some patience. We are talking about a Coach who is well-prepared and is bringing many talented young players into the side. Italy are in good hands.”
Under Serie A rules, Iachini cannot work for another Italian club during this season, so what is he doing with himself?
“I continue to get updates on what’s happening in the world of football management. Now I will travel around to see some colleagues at work in Italy and Europe.
“I’ve been impressed with Chievo this season, though they are just building on the work started a few years ago. Rolando Maran has been there for three years, so he is doing a great job.”