Aquilani: "Sassuolo was a natural choice for my first Serie A coach"
Alberto Aquilani is Sassuolo's new head coach and he called the club a natural choice for his first experience in Serie A, while admitting the team was lacking in some positions.
Alberto Aquilani has officially taken over as Sassuolo's new head coach, and he described coming to Emilia as a "natural choice" for his first managerial career in Serie A. According to him, part of the reason was his familiarity with the Mapei Stadium — where he played for six months in 2017 — and his respect for the club's organisation.
After retiring in 2018, Aquilani started coaching in the Fiorentina youth academy before showing good work in Serie B with Pisa and Catanzaro. In the final season, he pulled Catanzaro through to the play-offs and came close to promotion but lost at Monza.
Aquilani said: "I'm happy and honored to be here — a place where I got to know myself as a player and appreciate qualities that are rare in the world of football." He added that he was a little older and had some gray hair, and noted the modern training facility the club now has: "I bring energy and hunger; my ambition to coach in Serie A is a dream come true since childhood."
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/en/football_italia_articles_132/0fd8c84ac93d33eb226ec5d0410e7909" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>Regarding the style of the game, Aquilani specified that he does not really intend to change the usual structure of Sassuolo. "I have a clear idea, but I don't have a final style because football is constantly evolving. This team is used to playing four at the back, so I'm not going to come and say we're going to switch to a three-man defense." Although sticking to the concepts familiar to the Neroverdi, he also revealed the plan for a slight revamp: "Everything starts with the concept of how you want to play, so we need players with those qualities. We are a bit lacking in some positions, but it is clear to me and the club what the team needs."
The seat vacated by Fabio Grosso — who moved to Fiorentina — was taken by Aquilani. He also mentioned congratulatory messages from fellow Serie A coaches such as Daniele De Rossi and Cesc Fàbregas, who extended their support from Genoa and Como.
With Aquilani's arrival, Sassuolo are expected to maintain their Serie A character as they begin a new season of tactical adjustments and possible roster strengthening to address shortfalls.
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