Mateo Retegui: A Rising Star and His Praise for Brendan Rodgers
Italy striker Mateo Retegui has lauded Al Qadsiah manager Brendan Rodgers as a “wonderful man,” as the national team prepares for a crucial World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland. The match, taking place in Bergamo on Thursday, is a pivotal moment for the four-time World Cup winners, who are desperate to avoid missing out on a third consecutive tournament.
A Positive Relationship Amidst Play-off Pressure
In a week where other international managers have faced scrutiny regarding potential bias in team selection, Retegui emphatically dismissed any suggestion of ill-feeling with Rodgers. He highlighted the positive atmosphere surrounding the team since Rodgers joined Al Qadsiah in December.
“I’ve only got good things to say about him,” the 26-year-old stated. “Ever since Brendan came to the club, I don’t think we’ve lost a game – we’ve won 14 and drawn three. I speak a great deal with him and I have a wonderful rapport with Brendan.”
When questioned about whether Rodgers had playfully hinted at wanting Italy to lose to Northern Ireland (Rodgers’ homeland), Retegui was quick to praise the former Liverpool, Leicester City, and Celtic manager.
“He’s wished me the best of luck, but we speak about other things,” Retegui explained. “He’s a wonderful man, he’s a top coach, and he’s already proven that at all of the clubs he’s worked for in the past. I have a great rapport with Brendan Rodgers and when I go back we’ll have another chat.”
Looking Ahead to the Play-off Finals
The winner of Thursday’s game will face either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina for a coveted spot in the finals this summer. The group stage awaits, featuring co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar. Italy’s recent World Cup history has been marked by heartbreak, having missed out on the last two tournaments after shocking play-off defeats to Sweden and North Macedonia.
Retegui’s Confidence and Team Spirit
Despite the pressure, Retegui expressed a sense of calm and confidence. “I’m pretty relaxed,” he said, adding that he is “fit and firing” to face Northern Ireland. He revealed that the team has been focusing on staying calm, maintaining a positive mindset, and avoiding overthinking.
“There’s only one result, which is to win the game. So we need to keep doing things as we have been doing. Ever since the head coach has come in, I think the team has shown a bit more, and we need to kick on from that. We need to battle, we need to fight, we need to go out there and take the game by the scruff of the neck.”
Further Reading
- World Cup play-offs: Wilson hits post as Wales pushing Bosnia-Herzogovina for opener
- World Cup play-offs: Italy v Northern Ireland – Search continues for opener
- World Cup play-offs: Schick penalty gives Czechs life against Republic of Ireland
- Fabregas, film stars and Disney: How Como are disrupting Italian football
