Ex England & Sampdoria Defender Des Walker Backs Roberto Mancini For Italy Hot Seat ‘Understands The Game Really Well’ | OneFootball

Former Sampdoria and England defender Des Walker believes former teammate Roberto Mancini was the best teammate he’s had, backing him for a return as the Italy national team coach.

Des Walker backs former teammate Roberto Mancini to return as the Azzurri head coach because his great understanding of the game.

However, many who have criticized a potential return to the national team for Mancini. But former Nottingham Forest defender believes that you need a manager who has clear ideas who knows what he wants.

Furthermore, Walker stated that Mancini is the most talented teammate he has ever had, adding that his awareness was unbelievable.

Walker made these statements in an interview with the The Italian Football Podcast, at an online event hosted by BetVictor.

Des Walker Backs Roberto Mancini Italy Return: “Understands The Game Really Well”

Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Italy interacts with Alberigo Evani, Assistant Coach of Italy during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match between Italy and Austria at Wembley Stadium at Wembley Stadium on June 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Tallis – Pool/Getty Images)

“He understands the football game. He is his own man. He does things his own way and has his views. He has managed Italy before so they know his style, they know his views, they know his ways.

“If they are gonna employ him again then that’s what they want. Very rarely do you get a national team manager that gets a re-run. So you’ve had a test of him already. That’s must be what they want” Walker began.

“But having played with Robby he understand the game really well. He knows what he wants. he knows how he wants to play. He’s not scared to go against anybody or to implement what he wants.

“I think you need that as a manager. You need one manager and you need him to go his way.

“Between me and you I think he was already the manager when I was at [Sampdoria]” Walker continued.

Des Walker – Mancini “The Most Talented Teammate I’ve Had By A Long Way”

“He was the most talented [teammate I ever had] by a long way. The things he did in training defied logic. I played with Nigel Clough.

“He had an a great awareness of everyone around him. However, Mancini was still 30% better. Most of the times he never looked. He just knew where every player was.

“His skill-level was another level. In training it was difficult enough but in games, some of the things he did was frightening” Walker concluded.

Des Walker played one season in the Serie A at Sampdoria where he shared a dressing room with Roberto Mancini. Walker joined the Blucerchiati ahead of the 92/93 season featuring 32 games across all competitions.