Former Lazio and Roma coach Zdenek Zeman reflected on his relationship with Arrigo Sacchi, the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, job offers from Inter and his thoughts on Juventus.
The Czech-Italian coach has been active in the world of Italian football for over five decades now, starting out as a youth coach for Palermo in 1974 and working with teams like Lazio, Roma, Fenerbahce, Napoli and Cagliari throughout his career. Zeman was most recently in charge of Foggia, leaving at the end of last season.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Zeman first discussed his history with Milan legend Sacchi.
“He always lived for football. Even too much so. For me it has always been fun. The real difference between us has never been in the formation, but in the players.
“He had a great Milan, I had good teams, but never competitive for a Scudetto or a Cup. For me the 4-3-3 is the ultimate geometric expression, it allows you to draw 50 perfectly equal triangles. And then, I’ve never lost to him.”
He gave his thoughts on the changing nature of modern football and the influence of money.
“For me, football is becoming more and more a business. Have you noticed? Those who want to do more and more business are also those who have more debts. That means it’s not the right way.”
The Czech-Italian veteran was not impressed with the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
“An absurdity. The god of money dictates that it should be held there.”
Zeman commented on the fact that he’s known for being anti-Juventus. Back in 1998, he alleged that Juventus were abusing pharmaceutical products to help them on the pitch.
“More annoyance than regret. Because I was a Juventus fan as a child. Unfortunately I didn’t invent their attitudes. People think Calciopoli was born in 2006, instead it’s since 1994 that there was that system.”
He confirmed that former Inter president Massimo Moratti had offered him the head coaching job twice in the past.
“Moratti offered it to me twice. The first time when he became president, but I was at Lazio, where I was doing well. The second time we met in Milan but he eventually sold the company to Thohir and I gave up at that point.”
He commented on Jose Mourinho’s recent decision to publicly call out one of his players for being unprofessional, and if he’d have done something like that.
“I wouldn’t. But Mourinho can do this and more, as he is allowed to. Last year he said he had Serie C level footballers… They may not have been the best in the world, but someone must have called them up to play in Serie A. Or no?”
Finally, Zeman underlined his respect for Mourinho.
“A lot of respect… Let’s say I like to listen to him, even if I don’t always agree with what he says. I like to hear him.”
this guy can never stop bringing up the past