Marcello Lippi reveals he turned down the Roma job in March and sees Maurizio Sarri’s appointment at Juventus as “a change of philosophy.”
The World Cup winner is currently back on the bench of the China national team and confessed he will remain “for just one year, unless we qualify for the World Cup.
Marcello Lippi reveals he turned down the Roma job in March and sees Maurizio Sarri’s appointment at Juventus as “a change of philosophy.”
The World Cup winner is currently back on the bench of the China national team and confessed he will remain “for just one year, unless we qualify for the World Cup.
“I was close to Roma several times in my career, including recently. I was about to go there when Eusebio Di Francesco was fired,” Lippi told Tuttosport.
“They called me and asked if I was available to be the Coach of Roma, but I said no. I thanked them, saying that my time in club football is over. After China, I am going to retire.”
Roma brought in Claudio Ranieri as the caretaker manager instead, but he has now left along with director Francesco Totti.
“I did know how unhappy Francesco was. We speak often, as I have a special rapport with him. I believe a club ought to build around people like that, who have genuine love for the shirt. His experience would’ve been important for Roma going forward.”
Juventus changed management this summer and surprisingly poached Sarri from Chelsea, just a year after his Napoli almost snatched the Scudetto.
“I think that the basis for it was above all the desire to change philosophy at Juve and give new motivation to everyone after eight consecutive Serie A titles,” continued Lippi.
“Sarri is a Coach who gets his teams playing good quality football. It’s one of the most complicated things, to play one or two touch football, but he does it splendidly.
“Now that’s no longer enough, he also has to win. I believe he’ll do very well at Juve, but one can never take victory for granted.”
One of Sarri’s first moves as Bianconeri boss was flying out to visit Cristiano Ronaldo on vacation, but Lippi saw nothing unusual about that.
“I absolutely do not think Sarri went to ask Cristiano Ronaldo where he wanted to play, as centre-forward or winger. He went there to talk about football, just as I did with the leaders of my teams. It’s normal.
“It might be more entertaining watching Lionel Messi, but Ronaldo is unique because he can score in any way: acrobatic volleys, headers, from distance. In any case, they are both immense champions.”
There might be another intriguing addition at Juventus this season, as Gianluigi Buffon could return after a year at PSG.
“I can’t judge if it’ll work or not, but all I can say is that Buffon is such a wonderful, transparent person that anything he decides to do, he’ll find me ready to shake his hand.”