Paolo Zanetti dreams of coaching Barcelona one day and praises Gianluca Busio, explaining why Venezia are keeping a close eye on MLS players.
Zanetti led Venezia to a historic Serie A promotion last term. The Lagunari returned to Italy’s top flight for the first time in 19 years.
They have an American owner in Duncan Niederauer, who became the club’s chairman in February 2020.
“He comes to Venezia every month, he always has nice words for every player and this makes the difference, especially during tough times,” Zanetti told Tuttosport.
“I am also studying English because it’s needed, especially during training sessions. Thanks to our American owners, we keep a close eye on MLS players. We signed one of the most exciting prospects in the USA: Busio.
“He is a smart midfielder with an eye-catching technique. I expect a lot also from the Icelander Sigurdsson.”
Zanetti seems to have quite a lot of expectations for 28-year-old Francesco Forte. The Italian striker netted 14 goals in 33 Serie B games last season.
“He is really strong, in a way, he is similar to [Mario] Mandzukic. He has a big sense for the goal and he helps the team too.”
Venezia lost their opening two Serie A games of the season against Lazio and Napoli. However, Zanetti won’t change the attacking mentality that allowed the Black and Green to return to Serie A.
“We are aware that we’ll have to suffer this season, but I don’t want to change my philosophy which led to promotion last term,” the 38-year-old added.
No coincidence that Pep Guardiola is one of his role models.
“He has changed football, like [Arrigo] Sacchi. Venezia is a marvellous city, so if Pep wants to spend a few days here, I can host him in one of the city’s marvellous restaurants close to Ponte di Rialto.
Zanetti’s first target is to avoid Serie B relegation with Venezia this season, but where does he see himself in 15 years?
“For sure, I’ll still be a coach and since I’ve always followed foreign football, I hope I can have a chance one day.
“My dream is to coach Barcelona, but right now, I only have Venezia in my mind. I always think about my journey in football. I have the pictures of every team I’ve coached so far. Sometimes it’s useful to remember the efforts I’ve done during my path.”