Alberto Gilardino, the celebrated 2006 World Cup-winning striker, has officially taken the reins as the new head coach of Pisa. At his introductory press conference, Gilardino wasted no time in laying out his vision and expectations, emphasizing a clear philosophy centered around hard work, commitment, and sacrifice.
Addressing the media, Gilardino expressed his gratitude towards the club`s hierarchy – the director, president, and ownership – and highlighted the warm reception he`s received. “I arrived in Pisa with immense enthusiasm, finding tremendous willingness,” he stated. “Communication is good, and we share the same ideas and goals.”
A Coach Forged in Effort
Characterizing himself as a young coach with a deep “culture of work, commitment, and sacrifice,” Gilardino made it clear that this ethos would be the bedrock of his tenure. It`s a method that previously saw him guide Genoa to promotion and secure a comfortable Serie A safety, amassing 49 points in his first season, before a seemingly premature dismissal the following year.
Reflecting on his departure from Genoa, Gilardino viewed it as a valuable learning experience. “The sacking at Genoa was a lesson,” he admitted. His time away from the dugout wasn`t idle; he spent it reflecting, learning, and observing others. He specifically mentioned visiting prominent coaches like Roberto De Zerbi in Marseille and Enzo Maresca in London, acknowledging them as “greats” and underscoring his continuous pursuit of knowledge – a rather practical approach for a World Cup winner, one might observe.
Why Pisa? Enthusiasm and Unwavering Focus
When asked what drew him to Pisa, Gilardino was direct. “Nobody had to convince me,” he asserted. He was particularly impressed by the straightforward relationship with the director and the evident enthusiasm of the fans, which he believes will be vital lifeblood for the team. However, sentiment quickly gives way to pragmatism.
“Now is the time to work and run faster than the others,” Gilardino declared. The objective is unambiguous: ensuring Pisa remains firmly in Serie A. To achieve this, he wants the team to operate like a “straight-pulling train” – a unit with unwavering focus and momentum, pushing relentlessly forward.
The World Cup Connection
Gilardino`s arrival marks him as the third member of Italy`s 2006 World Cup-winning squad to manage Pisa, following in the footsteps of Gennaro Gattuso and Filippo Inzaghi. He confirmed reaching out to Inzaghi prior to taking the job, seeking information about the club and environment. While acknowledging the positives from the previous season under Inzaghi, Gilardino stressed the need to build on those lessons while also “archiving” the past and focusing entirely on the future.
A `Garibaldino` Spirit
Looking ahead to the team itself, Gilardino`s tactical approach will be grounded in the characteristics of the players at his disposal. He emphasized the importance of every individual, from those he`s just started working with to those returning from loans or new arrivals. The location itself offers a symbolic aspiration:
Pisa`s training facilities are at Officine Garibaldi, they play at Arena Garibaldi, and Gilardino? He wants a “Garibaldino” Pisa – implying a team that is daring, determined, and ready to fight. He realistically anticipates facing challenging periods – likening them to a strong “libeccio” wind – but stresses the importance of capitalizing on positive moments when they arrive and weathering the storms when they don`t.
As Gilardino settles into his new role, the air in Pisa, for now at least, feels decidedly positive, filled with the promise of hard work and a clear objective.