Igli Tare played with both Simone Inzaghi and Pep Guardiola, insisting ‘you could always sense something special’ about both that would make them great coaches at Inter and Manchester City respectively.
The former Lazio director was a striker and Albania international, who impressed alongside Inzaghi for Lazio – where he later worked with him as a director – and at Brescia with teammate Guardiola.
“When Simone was a player, you could already sense something special, and the same could be said of Guardiola. They just had that little something extra,” Tare told Radio Deejay.
“Simone might appear to be relaxed and happy, but it’s a disguise. In reality, he is a very deep thinker and focused on every tiny detail, from the first minute to the last of his working day.
“He also has something more than the other coaches in the way he manages to create a rapport with the team and with individual players.”
The pair faced off in the Champions League Final last season, and despite the vast differences in budget, Inter were only narrowly beaten by Guardiola’s Manchester City.
“The table says quite clearly that Inter are the strongest team in Serie A,” added Tare.
“I think Juventus are in second, but I expected more from them, considering they are not distracted by European competition. They remain a strong squad, just like Milan. I will say that what Bologna are doing is a wonderful surprise, they really are a pleasure to watch.”