Riccardo Calafiori Tips Teammate For Future Managerial Role

By The Editor
on 3rd January 2025

Calafiori sees managerial qualities in his compatriot…

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori can see managerial qualities in Jorginho as his compatriot reaches the latter stages of his career, Sky Sports reports.

Jorginho is currently taking his coaching badges after being bit by the bug during his time at the club and working with Mikel Arteta.

His ability on the pitch and the position he plays in will stand him in good stead in terms of his coaching career. Indeed, we have a few examples of deep-lying playmakers becoming top coaches.

Look across Europe – Pep Guardiola, Xabi Alonso, Mikel Arteta, Xavi and Thiago Motta have enjoyed success at top clubs and were ‘regista’s’ in their playing days.

Calafiori states that Jorginho already operates like a coach on the pitch and is one of Arteta’s chief lieutenants.

“I think Jorgi,” the former Bologna man said instantly when asked which of his teammates would likely become a manager.

“He’s already a manager on the pitch and I think he’s also studying already for being a manager, some players already have this inside them.

“The way he can read the game, he helps you in every action and is so good.”

It is interesting how many of our players have decided to take up coaching after working with Mikel Arteta, despite previously being against the idea.

Former midfielders Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny have already completed their coaching courses which they started during their time at London Colney.

Jorginho’s current contract expires at the end of the season, though the club do have the option of triggering a 12-month extension to keep the 33-year-old at the club.

The former Ballon d’Or runner-up has been one of Arteta’s best pound-for-pound signings and continues to do a sterling job when called upon.

It remains to be seen if Jorginho wants to remain in north London with the Italian international constantly linked with a move back home to end his career.