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Saturday, 14 March 2015

Verratti tells Conte: Play me in Pirlo's role

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."

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