Coppola picks Paris: «Brighton's data didn't work for me»
The defender talks about his move from Brighton and his return to the national team under Mancini. At Paris FC he has found playing time and confidence with Rosenior.
Diego Coppola has no doubts about his summer move: leaving Brighton to permanently join Paris FC was the right choice for his career and to stay in the Italian national team project. The centre-back explains how the English club, while believing him to be a talented player, was unable to guarantee him regular playing time due to statistical analyses that did not align with the defensive profile the club was seeking.
The transfer proved crucial on the national team front. Remaining on the bench at Brighton, he would have risked falling out of Roberto Mancini's sights for March call-ups. The loan move to Paris last January allowed him to play regularly, keeping his connection with the national side alive. «A pragmatic man who believed in me», that's how Coppola describes the national team coach.
Now in Paris, under Liam Rosenior's guidance, the defender has found the ideal environment. The Paris FC manager is for him «the best I've ever had»: he guarantees him playing time and constant growth. Verona remains in his heart, the club that launched him, but for now the goal is to perform well in France and earn further consideration for the national team.