Monza boss Alessandro Nesta admits his first coaching experience at Miami FC was’ a disaster’ and feels that the new signing Omari Forson, a product of Manchester United’s academy, is ‘shy’ but has ‘big potential.’
Nesta has recently taken charge of Monza, his first coaching experience in Serie A, replacing Raffaele Palladino, who was appointed by Fiorentina.
Nesta, a 2006 Italy World Cup winner, was unveiled on July 9 2024, on the 18th anniversary of the Azzurri’s win in Berlin in a legendary Final against France.
Monza’s first signing this summer was Omari Forson from Manchester United and Gazzetta asked Nesta about his thoughts on the 19-year-old.
Nesta sees ‘big potential’ in Man Utd Academy product
“He’s a talented lad. Very shy but with big potential,” the Monza coach replied.
“He will slowly loosen up. He is left-footed, but he plays on the right. He can play as a winger or attacking midfielder.”
Nesta reiterated that Monza’s target is to secure survival as soon as possible, something he already said during his unveiling press conference.
When did he decide to become a coach?
“During the last two years of my coaching career,” he replied.
“The body sent me clear signals and I was worried. I suffered when I retired. I missed the pitch and the adrenaline, so the only way to recreate competitiveness was to become a coach. That’s what I am looking for. Pressure. Inactivity bores me out.”
Nesta admits coaching in Miami ‘a disaster’
Nesta played for Lazio, Milan, Montreal Impact and Chennaiyin Football Club, and his first coaching experience was at Miami FC from 2015 to 2017. The former defender doesn’t have great memories of his time at the club, but it’s mainly his fault.
“It was a disaster. I disintegrated my players. I didn’t accept a bad first touch. With time, I had to kill the football player that was still inside me,” he admitted.
How does he deal with the pressure?
“I want it; otherwise, I’d have remained in Miami,” argued the ex-defender.
“Football has given me everything and I’ve given everything to football. I do this job because I need the stress that everyday life does not give me. My wife is the No.1 and she understands this spirit.
“After what I did on the pitch, nothing else is replicable. When you stay up there, accustomed to certain levels, your mind gets lost when you stop,” he continued.
“When you feel certain emotions, you’ve got to go on the moon or be a singer on the stage to recreate them.”
Nesta opens up about working with Galliani again
Does any coach inspire him?
“I follow the opponents and choose some teams that I think are interesting,” he replied.
“Last season, I followed Bayer Leverkusen. Xabi Alonso offered high-level football without breaks. Impressive. Atalanta were excellent in the Europa League Final.”
How does it feel to work with Adriano Galliani again?
“It’s a pleasure as it’s always been. You can see his hand everywhere here at Monza. We lack nothing. The training facilities are excellent, and they are in full Berlusconi style.”
Nesta’s interview was published on Wednesday’s printed edition of Gazzetta on page 19.