Edin Terzic reveals interest from Italian clubs: “I won’t say which ones” | OneFootball

Former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzić is using his time away from the touchline to meticulously prepare for his next role, revealing that he has already fielded interest from Italy’s top tier.

In a wide-ranging interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Terzić, who led Dortmund to the 2024 Champions League final before stepping down, discussed his hiatus, his coaching philosophy, and his admiration for Serie A.

The Italian Connection

Addressing circulating rumors that linked him to managerial positions at clubs like AC Milan, Juventus, and AS Roma, Terzić confirmed contact but declined to name the clubs.

He confirmed contact but emphasized the importance of respect for currently employed coaches, stating, “Respect for me is the most important thing for a coach, also respect for the colleagues who are coaching. What I can say is that there has been an interest from some Italian clubs, but I will not say which ones.” The coach further noted that his connection to Italian football runs deep, stating that when he was a child, “Serie A was the best league,” and German stars were moving there. He specifically named Italian legends Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero as having had a “great impact” on him.

Inter Can Return to the Final

Comparing Inter Milan’s recent Champions League final loss to Dortmund’s prior Bundesliga disappointment, Terzić was confident about the Nerazzurri’s potential to return to the final, affirming, “Yes, of course, [Inter] can return. We played the Champions League final a year after our biggest disappointment, losing the Bundesliga on goal difference.” He went on to praise the team’s tactical efficiency, noting he was “very impressed” by their defense: “It is not normal to concede only one goal in eight Champions League group stage matches. I studied, for example, their way of defending against crosses, which is exceptional.”

Preparation and the Four Player Types

Terzić stressed that his time off is not a vacation but a period of intense self-improvement, stating, “I’m not waiting, I’m preparing: there is a big difference.” He revealed he has met with “60 people”—including data analysts, mental coaches, and set-piece specialists—to build a comprehensive list of staff members for his next team.

He also outlined his belief that every successful team requires a blend of four distinct player archetypes: the Survivor, who only wants to get through the week; the Entertainer, who is happy with money and social media followers; the Winner (Il Vincente), who wants to personally improve and win; and the Leader, who wants to impact and guide the entire team. Terzić’s detailed preparations and strategic outlook signal that the former Dortmund boss is ready to accept a new challenge when the right opportunity, potentially in Italy, presents itself.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN