Andrea Pirlo did not rule out a return to Serie A when discussing his experiences in Turkey with Fatih Karagumruk and gave his thoughts on breakout Azzurri star Mateo Retegui.
The 43-year-old Italian coach took over at the Super Lig outfit in June of last year, penning a one-year deal with the club. He’s overseen 27 matches with Karagmuruk, averaging 1.37 points per match with nine wins and 10 draws.
Pirlo’s first coaching experience was his solitary season with Juventus, where he won a Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, and secured a top four finish.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pirlo first discussed why his experience in Turkey has been so valuable.
“Serie A is my home, but the experiences between the USA and Turkey confirm that it is important to look around, to get to know new cultures. And you learn from everyone.
“The team is ninth, with one match to spare. We have the third best attack in the league and Borini has scored 15 goals.
“I’m satisfied, I have many young players growing, the players are now enjoying themselves.”
He highlighted some interesting players in the Turkish league.
“Defender Rayyan Baniya is being followed by many, the great thing is that he was born in Bologna and grew up in Verona. Then watch out for Levent Mercan, he used to be a trequartista, but I turned him into a full-back and he is doing well.
“In general, the Turkish league is of a high level, with teams that are competitive in Europe.”
The 43-year-old confirmed that he was offered a new contract by Karagumruk.
“The managers have already offered me a renewal, but it is better to talk about it at the end of the season. I care about growing in the right place, with adequate programmes. The rest comes as a consequence.”
Pirlo gave his thoughts on Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli.
“A splendid ride. The game is spectacular, they make even difficult things easy. Credit to Spalletti, of course. But also, the club’s policy of rejuvenating the squad. Others should do the same, giving more space to youngsters and Italians, given the boom of foreigners.”
He commented on Retegui’s incredible start with the Azzurri.
“It started well. I don’t believe, however, in a crisis in the role of centre forward. Scamacca, Raspadori and Immobile can have their say. Rather, it happens that over time there is more abundance in certain roles than in others.”
The 43-year-old was asked which current players resembled his style.
“Locatelli is growing. The biggest leap was made by Fagioli, who made his debut with me. He knows how to do everything and is a staple at Juve and has the skills to excel in direction. He can be the new Pirlo, but better to be remembered as Fagioli.”
Pirlo discussed the work of Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus.
“The squad remains very strong, even if Allegri has paid for too many injuries. The distance in the table from Napoli does not reflect the real difference in values. Relations are good.
“I hear from some of the remaining managers, and I have also seen Andrea Agnelli. The mutual esteem remains, it’s another thing if plans have changed.
“Of course, I would come back. If a top club like Juve calls you…”
He commented on his tactical decisions.
“I watch, I inform myself. However, I remain faithful to the 4-3-3, always looking for attack and counter-measures for those who take your breath away in one-on-one situations.
“I work with the best, learning from everyone. I reason, however, with my head, making a synthesis of all the experiences.”
He touched on some of the best coaches.
“Ancelotti, the best in terms of human and technical skills, has collected more victories than anyone and in every league, but how can you point him out ahead of Lippi, Conte or Allegri? The last two are different.
“Good game or not, whoever wins is in charge. Pep is unique, he always likes to innovate. However, football is becoming more and more physical, and you have to update everything. Maybe even from those who are less known.”
Finally, Pirlo discussed the growing competitiveness of Serie A.
“For years now, stars have been emigrating, but the league remains competitive. These qualifications after so many years are not the result of chance. In the Champions League, from the quarters, anything can happen.”