Samir Handanovic: “I dream of managing Inter, but I want to take it one step at a time”

Former Inter Milan captain Samir Handanovic has opened up about his transition from the pitch to the dugout. Having retired from professional football, the Slovenian is now fully focused on his coaching career, citing a preference for a results-oriented approach built on clear tactical ideas, with a particular fondness for 4-3-3 variations.

Reflecting on the goalkeeper position in Milan, Handanovic described Mike Maignan as a proven certainty, while noting that Josep Martinez faces a significant challenge. "Martinez has everything to prove. A lot of eyes are on him, and he has a heavy legacy to deal with. In goal, every mistake comes under the microscope. Character makes the difference," he explained.

Handanovic credited his tactical development to his former managers. Luciano Spalletti pushed him to become an extra man during build-up play, while Antonio Conte instilled the winning mentality that defines a top club. Although he openly admits his dream is to manage Inter one day, he insists on taking his career path slowly, aiming to gain experience leading a first team after earning his UEFA Pro licence.

Looking back, the former goalkeeper admitted that if he could replay one match, it would be the derby where Olivier Giroud turned the tide for AC Milan. He also revealed that he had opportunities to watch Roberto De Zerbi work closely at Brighton and held talks with Fiorentina, but he ultimately decided to prioritize his own path as a coach.