Former FCS coach Valente: “South Tyrol is just good for me”

"I'm constantly being approached on the street and asked if I'm coming back to FC Südtirol," smiles Federico Valente, adding immediately: "Of course, that's not the case." The 49-year-old Italian-Swiss moved to Lecco after leaving FC Südtirol. Valente took on a difficult job in Serie C – but successfully completed it. Lecco was "at a knife's throat" when Valente took over the club. After a strong spring, the Lombardy side managed to avoid relegation early, and planning for the upcoming season in Italy's third division could begin.

Valente describes the coaching business as very short-lived. Nevertheless, he maintains: "There's a lot of talk and speculation. The fact is that I have a contract with Lecco and am planning the squad for the new season together with the sporting management," says Valente. The first player has already joined Lecco – following the coach's recommendations – and more are to follow: "I'd like to bring in one or two players I already know."

Valente feels at home in Lecco In Lecco, Valente has found the ideal environment for him. Quiet, professional, and with freedom in his daily work, yet with a passionate fan base. "Our fans are impressive. They are completely behind the team. You can tell that Lecco is an important football city in Italy. I really like it there."

Federico Valente during his time at FC Südtirol. © Felice Calabro' / Felice Calabro'

Valente jumped into the proverbial deep end in February, as he didn't know much about his new club: "I didn't know any of the players and didn't know exactly how the team ticks. That's why it was important for me to spend a lot of time with my own team in the first few weeks. The fact that we won the first game helped."

South Tyrol as a retreat for Valente For Valente, South Tyrol is a retreat from the stressful daily routine of football. On his days off, the coach enjoys returning to Eppan, where he still has an apartment and can recover from the stresses of his job. "It's a retreat for me. I go to my favorite restaurant; it's good for me, and I can clear my head. I met some really good people in South Tyrol," enthuses the Swiss native, who worked for FCS for around 15 months and rose from U19 coach to head coach of the first team in South Tyrol.

Valente has found a second home in Eppan, but he doesn't want to commit to a specific sporting destination. "I'm extremely open to any country, even outside of Europe. I find it very exciting to get to know different cultures," says the coach. Valente emphasizes: "In our job, you have to be open-minded. I'm just keen to put my ideas into practice on the pitch. I don't want to set any limits for myself; it's always about the next step."

Valente: “This is the top priority” First up is the preseason with Lecco. The road to Serie C has also helped Valente advance: "I only knew the league from highlight videos. I quickly realized that it's all about fighting and intensity. Defensive tactics are extremely important." Serie C is a league where the first priority is to concede few goals at the back, says Valente: "Not conceding any and scoring one at the front, that's the top priority."

But because Valente isn't a coach who just wants to react in Lecco, he's sticking with his style there as well: "Compactness is important. At the same time, I don't just want to defend at the back, but run high and go forward. Win the ball back as quickly as possible and then have a plan for what to do with it." Valente hasn't abandoned his ideas and values after leaving FCS. But South Tyrol has shaped him. He still identifies with the region and its people. The coach looks forward boldly and openly, taking with him what has served him well in the past – South Tyrol and Eppan are undoubtedly among them.

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Former FCS coach Valente: “South Tyrol is just good for me”

Federico Valente has left FCS, but not South Tyrol. The former head coach of the White and Reds still feels right at home here. He has found a new sporting home in Lecco.

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