Zidane a Pure Algerian Talent, Lippi

Historical achievement and a failure: two main stages in the career of Italian manager Marcello Lippi, who endured fierce media campaign after the Azzuri failed to make it to the second stage of the 2010 World Cup of South Africa, throwing away the title snatched in 2006 by this same coach, in Germany after a dramatic final against Zidane’s France.

In 2011, Lippi decides to return to the world of coaching, saying he is ready to manage a national squad ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. 

Echorouk reporter met Lippi -one of the best ever coaches in the world- at the sidelines of Aspire 4 Sport exhibition, in Doha, Qatar, and talked about his back on stage.

Mr Lippi coached Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank team in an aid football game for the benefit of Libya children.

Madjer a High Class Player

“Well, I was happy to take part in that game, as I participated with football stars to bring a humanitarian aid and ultimately a smile to needy children.”

This game saw the participation of Algeria and FC Porto former ace, Rabah Madjer, who scored twice. “Madjer? Pronouncing his name would recall the wonderful goal he scored with his heel (with Porto against Bayern Munich in the final of the Champions League in 1987). He was a high class player, and still!”

I’ve Always Considered Zidane as Algerian

For the Italian coach, Zinedine Zidane is a pure production of Algerian football. “I think the Algerian football has produced good players, like Madjer and Zidane, and deserves to be mentioned among best football schools in the world”.

Although Zidane chose the Tricolore of France, Mr Lippi says he has always considered the the only three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, as an Algerian footballer “although he chose to play for France. His soccer identity remains North African, as I’ve always believed that football is an instinct talent which born with the player,” Lippi says, adding that “When I coached Zidane in Juventus, I realized that he enjoys a pure Algerian football identity.”

Algeria FA Didn’t Contact Me!

The Italian coach further refuted report that he was contacted by the Algerian Football Federation, saying “At that time I was away, I was having a rest, but some media kept alleging that I was in contact to coach that club or that team, which is so wrong!” He further mentioned that “For the moment the Algerian squad have a manager, and I believe they have enough talented players to impose themselves.”

Juventus Forever!

Mr Lippi expressed his “eternal allegiance” to his heart club “La Juve”, as he pleaded not to train any other club but the Juventus, adding that he want to end his career by managing a national squad ahead of Brazil 2014 World Cup.