Italy coach Antonio Conte visited the Istituto Superiore Sobrero in Casale Monferrato to give a speech celebrating the anniversary of Casale’s Scudetto-winning season in 1913-14.
Conte spoke about what has motivated him to do his best during his coaching career and how he believes coaching ability is something you are born with.
“I have always had this spirit that makes me want to teach,” said Conte according to VivoAzzurro.it.
“It’s the idea of giving something to other people.
“As a boy, I enjoyed organising and coaching my brother’s team.
“When I stopped playing I had a clear idea in my head of the path that would lead to me becoming a coach.
“Coming back to school always has a certain effect on me, as a child my aim was always to be a footballer or a PE teacher, an aim I achieved by getting a degree in sport science.
“Today, here in Casale, I am able to live out for a day the dream I had as a boy.”
Conte was also asked whether he believes that coaches are born into the role or if it can be learnt.
“You need something in your DNA,” said Conte.
“My father for example played in the Promozione league, but to make it at the top you need to really want it and make sacrifices.
“Respect and good manners are the values that you need to have.
“Personally, I have always looked to instil them in my players and then I’ve been proud to see them later on in the players who I have coached.”
