Striker Adrian Mutu is on a course for coaching: 'I want to Coach Fiorentina and Romania!'
The 37-year-old enjoyed a career that spanned several teams, though he truly made his name at Juventus and Fiorentina.
While Mutu's later years became mired in controversy, culminating in an international ban in 2011, he is now attempting a comeback as a Coach, even while simultaneously playing for Romanian club Targu Mures.
Striker Adrian Mutu is on a course for coaching: 'I want to Coach Fiorentina and Romania!'
The 37-year-old enjoyed a career that spanned several teams, though he truly made his name at Juventus and Fiorentina.
While Mutu's later years became mired in controversy, culminating in an international ban in 2011, he is now attempting a comeback as a Coach, even while simultaneously playing for Romanian club Targu Mures.
“It was nice, I was a bit nervous at first, but then everything went fine,” Mutu told Digisport after his first lesson in a coaching course.
“I'm glad I've been given the opportunity to be here among my colleagues.
“It was very interesting, a new experience that I enjoyed greatly.
“I'd like to train at a high level, but I wouldn't mind working with children. I think that's necessary for a Coach.
“I don't want to become just good [at coaching], but great, and that's why I'm here to learn.
“I accept all suggestions with humbleness. Over my career I learnt a lot, in Romania and abroad too.”
Mutu identified his former Fiorentina Coach Cesare Prandelli as the most important referent in his tactical development.
“I think Prandelli was a mentor not just for me but for every player he coached. Other great tacticians I worked with included [Claudio] Ranieri, [Fabio] Capello, [Marcello] Lippi, [Jose] Mourinho.
“They have different methods compared to Prandelli's. They worked with great teams and they didn't need to explain too much, they didn't go into detail with me the way that Prandelli did.
“This isn't to say they're any less good, but coaching champions is something else. Prandelli learnt how to work with normal players too, not just the champions.
“The team I'd like to Coach? Obviously Fiorentina! And also the Romanian national team.”