‘Pirlo Can Manage Ronaldo On Level Terms’ – Says Juventus Legend Marcello Lippi
A Juventus legend is weighing his thoughts on Andrea Pirlo’s appointment saying he’s not surprised to see a familiar face handed the reins in Turin. Marcello Lippi believes that new Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo can manage Ronaldo on level terms, emulating the success that Zinedine Zidane enjoyed as a coach at Real Madrid.
Pirlo, who had memorable moments in Turin as a player was handed a first managerial post by the Bianconeri following the dismissal of Maurizio Sarri. A vastly-experienced Sarri did deliver another Serie A title for the Italian giants in his first and only season. However, Champions League glory once again proved to be elusive for the decorated Italian Champions.
Now the legend is being charged with the task of replicating the success that he enjoyed as a player. At Pirlo’s disposal is a star-studded squad to work with, and Marcello Lippi believes he can follow the footsteps, Zinedine Zidane, by delivering in the dugout. That includes his belief that Pirlo can manage Ronaldo on level terms just like Zidane at Madrid.
“He is still like the great champions who are playing now, so he can talk on level terms with Cristiano Ronaldo and Giorgio Chiellini, like a colleague,” the former Juve boss Lippi told Sportweek. “Zidane was similar when he took over at Real Madrid, so perhaps Juve needs someone with those characteristics at this moment in time.”
“Zidane didn’t bring any technical, tactical or training innovations to Real Madrid. He just made the squad feel calm, used the best players in the ideal conditions to give their best. And he won everything.”
Lippi then highlighted the similarities of the new Juve coach with that of Zinedine Zidane before he took over the Madrid jobs.
“Like Zidane, Pirlo retired from football and took three years to think carefully about what he really wanted to do next in life,” he said. “I was having lunch with Zidane and his agent friend Migliaccio in Ibiza when he confessed: ‘I want to try as a coach’. Andrea has done the same.”
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“I was having lunch with Zidane and his agent friend Migliaccio in Ibiza when he confessed: ‘I want to try as a coach’. Andrea has done the same.”
Marcello Lippi, who guided the Italian national side that included Pirlo to World Cup glory in 2006 also worked with the new Juventus manager at Inter. He claims that he never had any doubt that the veteran midfielder would look to pass on his experience when hanging up his boots.
“You could tell Pirlo was bound to become a coach, just like Didier Deschamps,” he adds. “Those players are basically spokesmen for the coach on the field. At times, you look at them, and they already know what you’re about to say. It’s no coincidence top midfielders are known for their tactical intelligence.”
“Andrea was born to do everything, not just be a coach. He’s capable of just about anything,” he continued.” It makes me smile what people generally think about Pirlo, such as that he’s quiet and sulky, but I can assure you he’s one of the biggest jokers around.”
“When he was a player, everyone thought he couldn’t defend and needed a protective midfielder next to him, but the truth is he was very difficult to get past because he had physical strength, power, and a great sense of position. Juve realized he has qualities and charisma outside the norm.”
Do you think Andrea Pirlo can manage Ronaldo on level terms like Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid as Marcello Lippi claimed? Feel free to share your thoughts with us via our comments section below!
