SASSARI. “I have a reputation as a bench sergeant, but I don’t really recognize myself in it. The truth is that I like dialogue while I like screaming much less. And I have great respect for those who work hard ». Clear rules of engagement, defined roles but also decriminalization of the error of the individual.
For the umpteenth challenge of his long career as a coach, Piero Bucchi presented himself with the usual outfit: that of concreteness and commitment. The Bolognese technician, riding Dinamo since mid-November, just had time to revive the fate of the biancoblù, before the new wave of infections blew up the plans of the club and of the entire Serie A.
Coach, how has your work been so far?
«In general well, the team is working hard and there is harmony in the gym. These are two fundamental starting points. So I can be satisfied. Too bad, however, for the covid that has interrupted our journey, at the moment we are stopped and not much can be done. We were only able to train for small groups, according to the directives, the players who were not infected. We try to optimize the times, trying to maintain serenity ».
Serenity is a fundamental concept to explain the turning point that Dinamo has had since its arrival.
«I am satisfied with the approach. I repeat, I see harmony and cohesion. The games so far have been faced with the desire to win, and in my opinion this is the predominant concept: we have immediately touched a couple of wins, losing with wrong shots at the end. This means that we were there, that the attitude was right and we put ourselves in a position to be architects of our destiny. Then the shots sometimes go inside and other times they don’t, I’m a basketball man and I accept it without problems ».
Then came the victories with Venice and Varese, which could represent a turning point in the Banco’s season.
“It is a starting point, certainly not an arrival point. We have to fix several things and, as I said, up to the moment of the stop we were working on it in my opinion in the right way. In the four league games played – because I would like to cancel the cup – we have never suffered in a conspicuous way. Then there are also the opponents, we must not forget that ».
What are the first aspects on which it intervened?
«I filed something tactically, I tried to give clarity and precise points of reference, with the aim of simplifying things to be more effective and less cerebral. On the pitch you have to think but sometimes you also need to be instinctive and aggressive. We are not a super athletic team, so I tried to raise the level of aggression of the team ».
On the day of his introduction he said he had been waiting for this call for a long time. What do you expect, in the medium term, from your adventure in Sardinia?
«I would very much like to win the trust of the fans, as well as of the club. I have a contract for next year too, but beyond the papers I would like to be able to consolidate my presence here. I didn’t come to take a shot and go, I’m trying to build solid foundations. It is a stimulating task, Sassari is a beautiful place to work in. The first step, however, is to win the trust of the players, having a feeling with the team is the priority and it is also the most important and best challenge ».
At 63, he is currently the dean of Serie A coaches. After seeing so many, what still keeps you glued to your job?
«Very trivially, passion. Being able to do this job is incredible luck and I repeat it to myself every day, so it doesn’t cost me any effort to go to the gym. Coaching is a constant challenge and I like challenges. Every day in the gym gives me stimulation, joy and fun. In addition, working with a strong-willed group makes everything perfect ».
How has your way of coaching changed from the nineties to today?
«Everyone changes, as has basketball and the players themselves. Curiosity is fundamental, having the desire to see everything, to compare oneself with other colleagues and with new theories. Technology allows you to take advantage of contents on a universal level, then each of us coaches elaborates them in a personal way. I watch, read, take notes, my commitment does not end in the gym. And I always try to identify with the players, getting inside their heads is essential to help them solve problems on the pitch ».
Is she really as tough as they say?
«I have a lot of respect for the work of others and I admire those who are totally committed and work with dedication. Getting angry is part of my job, but I don’t need to scream and I can accept the mistake. No, I don’t think I’m that hard. “
Will you still be alongside Sacchetti in the national team in February?
«I really hope so, even if I am completely focused on Dinamo. When I was called in blue in the spring I was very pleased. I respect Meo and being part of the expedition to Serbia and Tokyo was fantastic, a very stimulating experience. President Petrucci told me that when you hear the hymn you feel a particular thrill. It’s true, and I can’t wait to try it again. ‘
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