Sakki Column: Inter Milan must fully support Zivo and listen to his opinions in the transfer market

August 2, the famous Italian coach Saki published a column in the "Milan Sports" and talked about Inter Milan's new coach Zivo.

The full text is as follows:

The first point I want to say is that Zivo is not a risky bet. After he was hired by Inter, I often read and heard this definition, which I don't quite agree with. Betting means inevitable risks, then all coaches are betting, not just zivo. Who knows how this season will develop? Only the magician knows it. On the contrary, I think Inter Milan's management weighed the pros and cons of this decision when choosing Zivo. Indeed, he only had one Serie A coaching experience in Parma, which was last season: a total of 13 games. But equally true is that if a person is not tested, it will never know whether he can work.

In my opinion, given Zivo's performance in Parma, he saved the team in a very short time and gave the team a clear game style and organizational structure, Zivo is ready to face this major leap. This doesn't mean he will succeed immediately, it will take months for him to convey his philosophy and build a tacit understanding with the players. He has an advantage, that is, he knows the environment very well, and he has been here as both a player and a coach in the youth training department. This is undoubtedly a point that is beneficial to him.

However, the most difficult role now is not in Zivo, but in the club. I explain: the coach needs the support of management, they must help him during difficult times, protect him from inevitable controversy, and must form the team as he envisions, looking for elements that are still missing in the transfer market. Inter Milan should not make the mistake that almost all clubs will make: not listen to the coach's request. He is well aware of who needs it and who doesn't, and management has the responsibility to satisfy him if the club's financial capabilities allow. When I came to Milan in the summer of 1987, Chairman Berlusconi accepted all my requests. I asked for the introduction of Ancelotti, who had some physical problems at the time. Berlusconi had a lot of doubts, but in the end, with Galliani's help, we managed to bring Ancelotti to Milan, and everyone knew how important he was in that fantasy Milan system.

Another example, also originated from my personal experience. There is a player who is inverted in black and white, and I don't think he is reliable. I talked to Berlusconi and asked to sell him. The chairman asked me, "Then who will we buy to replace him?" I simply replied, "No one is buying it. Let his substitute come on." So I did that. Another time, because things didn’t go very well at first, I received a lot of criticism and Berlusconi asked me if I wanted him to step in. I told him I would be happy. He summoned the entire team and explained in a speech that lasted twenty-seven seconds: "I have full trust in Sakki. Those who follow him will be here next season, those who don't follow him will leave." It couldn't be clearer, and I felt that the club was on my side, which was crucial to me because we were working on a revolutionary work that required investment, hard work and sacrifice.

So, I think Inter's management should be completely imitating Berlusconi and his collaborators at this moment. After careful consideration, a choice was made. Now this choice not only needs to be defended, but also needs full support. You may encounter some difficulties in the early stage, maybe, but you cannot question the coach's job because of this. Once the team is handed over to him and the goal to be achieved with him must be helped. Remember that he is the helm, he has a direct connection with the players, he is the one who is asked to create a style on the court, so his words must always be heard. The coach asked for signings was not willful: he did this because he knew that the player was needed in that particular position. If I need a fullback, I can't bring me a midfielder, which is a common mistake I see in many clubs. But at Inter Milan, with experienced and wise management, I am sure they know exactly how to go further. Of course, it was with Ziwo.