Giovanni Stroppa’s first week of pre-season training as Pescara Coach has earned him a favourable comparison with predecessor Zdenek Zeman.
Giovanni Stroppa’s first week of pre-season training as Pescara Coach has earned him a favourable comparison with predecessor Zdenek Zeman.
The former Milan Coach, who played under Zeman whilst at Foggia in the 1990s, has replaced the veteran tactician after his move to Roma earlier this summer.
Having begun pre-season last week under Stroppa, Pescara’s Gianluca Caprari has reflected on the impact the 44-year-old has had.
“With Stroppa it has been tough,” the January 2012 signing from Roma admitted to reporters.
“With Roma last pre-season under Luis Enrique, we began work immediately with the ball, leaving less time for physical training.
“My current teammates who were with Pescara last summer are telling me that this work with Stroppa is very similar to that done under Zeman.”
Caprari spent six months working with Zeman last season on the way to the club’s Serie B title win, but as the Coach moved to the capital, the youngster stayed with Pescara.
“With him last year we had a great season, I improved a lot. I figure that’s why I was linked with a return to Roma with him.
“It turned out not so, but there’s so much time in the future and one day, who knows, maybe I will go back.
“I’m already thinking to facing the Giallorossi next season, for me it will be an exciting game.”
The 18-year-old also has a close relationship with another promising technician working in Serie A, Andrea Stramaccioni, who had worked with the youngster in Roma’s youth ranks.
“We often talk on the phone. With him I have maintained a strong relationship. It is thanks to him that I have become the player I am.
“His teachings at Roma were essential to my progress. To him I owe so much.”