Samir Handanovic: Spalletti and Conte were my biggest influences

Former Inter Milan goalkeeper and captain Samir Handanovic has identified Luciano Spalletti and Antonio Conte as the managers who had the most significant impact on his career. Reflecting on his time at the club, he highlighted the specific lessons he learned from both coaches.

Handanovic noted that Spalletti pushed him to become an extra man during build-up play, a request he was well-prepared for thanks to his comfort with the ball at his feet. Conversely, he credited Antonio Conte with instilling a winning mentality that permeated the entire club, setting a higher standard for every individual involved.

Addressing the challenges of leadership, Handanovic explained that the captain's armband requires significant energy on the pitch. Beyond just performing, a captain must set an example through conduct, training habits, and acting as a mediator between the squad and the club. Regarding current captain Lautaro Martinez, he emphasized that only his teammates are qualified to judge his impact.

In his current focus on developing youth talent, Handanovic highlighted the importance of psychology and education. He described young players as sponges, noting that at that stage, football development transcends financial considerations and requires a mentor-like approach from coaches.