Di Matteo should not join Schalke - former Switzerland coach Fringer

Di Matteo should not join Schalke, says former Switzerland coach Fringer

Mar 1, 2013 4:30:00 PM

The ex-Chelsea boss has been linked with a move to Germany in recent weeks, but the Italian's former club manager believes he would find success at the Veltins Arena

EXCLUSIVE
By Hassan Talib Haji

Former Switzerland coach Rolf Fringer has warned Roberto Di Matteo that German football will not suit his managerial style, with Schalke reportedly interested in hiring him.

Fringer has been a good friend of Di Matteo’s since working with him at FC Schaffhausen over 20 years ago and has lauded the Italian’s intelligence and "social skills".

However, the 56-year-old has suggested that the Bundesliga would not be a good destination for Di Matteo, despite believing he could "help" the struggling Konigsblauen.

"I can assure all German clubs: if he comes to Germany, he will not suit this type of football," Fringer told Goal.com. "I do think that he could help Schalke. But, I'm not convinced that he would pass [the opportunity].

"There are just clubs who always want too much and destroy everything with it, like Schalke. He is far too sensible and he knows that he could be put on the ejection seat. I do not think he would do it.

"He is a decent guy with good sense. He was equipped with great social skills as a player and was very intelligent in games, and therefore I am not surprised that he has had great success as a coach."

Di Matteo won the Champions League and FA Cup double with the Blues last season, and Fringer believes it was a combination of determination and fate that brought the Italian such rich rewards.

Fringer said: "When he was my player, he was very young. Also the naturalisation in the Swiss national team was a topic, but he did not want to play for them. He always had a goal, a vision.

"He always wanted to become an Italy international. That is over 20 years ago. It was not easy for a young guy from a small provincial town in Switzerland. But, he did it because he really wanted to.

"Momentum was on his side at Chelsea. From his relatable side and his qualities, Roberto deserved that fate.

"Even Didier Drogba said after the match in Munich that they won the title for all former players of Chelsea."

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