Former Inter assistant manager Sylvinho discusses his time at the club, working with Roberto Mancini, making Mauro Icardi captain and wanting ‘to coach an Italian club.’
Currently the coach of Olympique Lyonnais, he was part of Mancini’s Inter staff in 2014-15 and very briefly in 2016 before moving on to a role with Brazil.
“We have different personalities,” Sylvinho told Sky Sport Italia.
Former Inter assistant manager Sylvinho discusses his time at the club, working with Roberto Mancini, making Mauro Icardi captain and wanting ‘to coach an Italian club.’
Currently the coach of Olympique Lyonnais, he was part of Mancini’s Inter staff in 2014-15 and very briefly in 2016 before moving on to a role with Brazil.
“We have different personalities,” Sylvinho told Sky Sport Italia.
“Mancini is more aggressive, knows how to fire up the players, he’s a real winner. Every now and then, he needs to calm down a bit. I am more relaxed in that sense, act more as a mediator.
“I met him at Manchester City and we worked together there for five months, but he saw in me that passion for football. I had turned down his first offer to join him, as my mind wasn’t in the right place after 15 years of playing football in Europe, but I did join him at Inter three years later.
“That was a very good decision and I had a wonderful experience. Mancini transmits so much and has a great deal of experience, so it’s priceless learning from him every day.
“Italian football has changed over the years, as it’s still very tactical with strong coaches, but they do play the ball a lot more now, for instance Mancini’s Italy squad. We coaches should all learn from them, how to defend well, but also keep possession.
“I would like to coach an Italian club.”
When Sylvinho was in the Inter staff, the decision was made to give Icardi the captain’s armband, but today he completed the transfer to Paris Saint-Germain for €50m plus bonuses.
“It was one of those moments. Icardi was a young player, with character, and Mancini saw in him someone who could push the project forward. I think it was a wise decision, because Mauro scores goals, can play anywhere and is so good in the box.
“Icardi is a good guy, very relaxed, always focused in training, and we never had problems with him. If he’s happy at PSG, then I’m happy for him.”