Italy

Milan Boss Leonardo: I’m Not Cut Out For The Bench

The Brazilian admits he has a knack for administrative roles and the Rossoneri job is just a transitional phase in his career.

Jul 3, 2009 9:06:31 AM

Leonardo takes over from Carlo Ancelotti on the Milan bench

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Leonardo takes over from Carlo Ancelotti on the Milan bench

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Leonardo was handed the reins of Milan last month after Carlo Ancelotti walked away to join Chelsea, but the former Brazilian midfielder has stunningly revealed that he has gazed into his crystal ball and coaching is nowhere to be seen.

“Throughout my career, I have always handled my contracts and administered my finances,” ‘Leo’ told Brazilian weekly Veja.

“I always made investments without middle-men and I thought I would have done this after quitting football, not become a tactician. I even told [owner Silvio] Berlusconi about it and took management classes at the Bocconi University.

“I think that this coaching thing will just be a phase in my administrative career.”

Leonardo admitted to suffering from a bout of depression, which lead him to become involved in charity work.

“It happened during my first spell in Italy, I was about 30,” he said.

“I felt guilty because I could buy expensive clothes and eat in fancy places. Instead of taking pleasure in it, these things were hurting me. Depression brought about insomnia and tachycardia.

“I was in therapy for three months. My ex-wife and my parents helped me get through it. I started reading philosophy and psychology books and that’s when I set up the Fundacao Gol di Letra.

“My home in Milan became practically empty and I did not even have a computer anymore.”

The Fundacao Gol di Letra is a foundation that Leonardo set up along with ex-Brazil midfielder Rai to help children in need.

Vince Masiello, Goal.com

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