Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco
Verratti has set his sights on taking
over from Andrea Pirlo in the Italy
midfield.
The 22-year-old has been unable to
nail down a regular starting spot for
the national team so far, despite some excellent displays at club
level.
Verratti maintains he is good enough to star for the Azzurri, though,
although he has admitted his playing style leaves him at a
disadvantage.
"Young players must earn a place, especially as the coach doesn't
see some players very often, so he plays those he can rely on," he
told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"There are great players in front of me in the pecking order, but if I get
a chance, I try to give my best. So far Conte has given me some
opportunities, but I must make the most of them.
"Conte is building a great squad with a different philosophy.
His 3-5-2 is different to the formation I play in at PSG, so I need more
time to learn the precise movements he wants me to make.
"He likes midfielders who do a lot of work off the ball and create
space for the forwards, which is not my style, but I can always try it.
"I think I'd do a lot better in front of the defence. Pirlo's there, so I
think my position will be on the right or the left side of the bench for
now...
"I don't know if I'm ideal for his style. In the national team you have
to adapt, though obviously I can't suddenly turn into a centre-back
tomorrow, for example."
Verratti was one of the stars in midweek as PSG secured a 2-2 draw
with Chelsea in the second-leg of their Champions League tie,
sending them through to the quarter-finals on away goals and he
says it was great to get revenge against teh tem who eliminated them
last year.
"It was as big as a semi-final or a final. We prepared for it better than
last season and it was nice to get revenge against Chelsea.
"Last year we had too much respect for them, but certain defeats can
make you more determined. This time we knew we were the better
team.
"The energy in the locker room makes me feel stronger too and the
more I play, the more confident I am."
The midfielder insists he is happy in the French capital and says he
has no desire to leave any time soon.
"When I signed for PSG, people said I'd run away after two months.
Instead after three years I'm still here and my son was born in Paris.
It's my second home.
"Although, I still end up eating only in Italian restaurants here...
"If a club really wants me then they'll sign me and that's all. If PSG
were to force me to leave in order to make room for Pogba, then I will
think differently.
"But that's certainly not an issue I need think about just now. I ignore
gossip and rumours. If one day PSG don't want me anymore, I will
pay more attention." source: goal |
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