Locatelli admits he and ex-Italy coach Mancini had ‘different views’

Lorenzo Bettoni

Rome: Juventus and Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli admits he and former Azzurri coach Roberto Mancini had ‘different views’ and that ‘something had broken.’

The 25-year-old spoke at a press conference attended by Football Italia at Coverciano on Tuesday. He’s the first Italy player to meet the media in the press room at Coverciano following Spalletti’s appointment at the end of August.

“It’s always an honour and a privilege to be here, but also a responsibility. There’s a new coach, great energy and enthusiasm, we are all charged,” said the Juventus midfielder.

Locatelli has made 24 appearances with the Azzurri and was part of the team that won the Euros two years ago. However, he hasn’t played with La Nazionale for over a year, making his last international appearance in June 2022 in a 0-0 draw against England.

The Italian midfielder was asked if he and his teammates feel grateful to Mancini for winning the Euros and why he hasn’t been called up during the last year.

“It’s amazing to have brought the trophy to Coverciano, but it’s the past. Now I am happy to be here after a tough season for me and the national team. I am full of enthusiasm,” he said.

“I’m the first responsible for what I do on the pitch. I spoke to Mancini, we had different views and something had broken.

“The coach [Spalletti] mentioned the attachment to the jersey in an emotional speech, which was important. Surely Mancini must be thanked for winning the Euros, then we know how things went. Now there is the future and that’s what we must focus on.”

Locatelli still doesn’t know why Spalletti’s staff have drawn a big squared pitch in the middle of the main field at Coverciano but believes the new boss will use it for possession drills.

“We are starting to see what the coach wants, he has shown us some videos and a few things have changed already, we’ll follow what he says,” he continued.

“Changes must be seen positively. Spalletti’s career speaks for itself and we should never feel the weight of wearing this shirt. This desire to sacrifice and help each other is something we should never lose.

“I’ve learned many things, and nothing should ever be taken for granted. All is conquered with hard work and determination, it all depends on that.”

Locatelli has been playing as a deep-lying playmaker at Juventus and Spalletti will likely use him in the same position.

“I think there has been a change, I play differently with Allegri but I play where the coaches want, many things have changed,” noted Locatelli.

“I think it’s one of the most important roles. I have a lot of responsibility, which is positive. We only trained once with the new coach [Spalletti], so we must follow what he says and give our best. I like to be involved in the play and that’s something I can do as a playmaker. A step forward I must take with the club is to shoot more and win second balls. It’s a different role, but I’ve already done it at Juventus and I feel important there.

“I believe that last season at Juventus was complicated, but the pitch always proves your worth. Now the situation has improved, there are clear roles and this is important, but now I am focused on the national team.”

Spalletti will make his debut against North Macedonia in the EURO 2024 qualifiers on Saturday. What kind of game does Locatelli expect?

“It will be a difficult one. They are strong on second balls we remember well how it went the last time. We should take nothing for granted. It’s important to win, but we must have enthusiasm and desire.”

The 25-year-old has recently become a father for the first time and admitted this has changed him on and off the pitch.

“It’s the biggest joy of life. I have a wonderful wife who takes care of our son. Surely, the born of a baby changes the perception of many things. Thank God, I have a great family and I am grateful for this.”