Exclusive Interview with Kiki Musampa. “Italy is interesting again. Atleti? Great start. Ajax created my identity .” Read more for the full interview in Italian.
Davide Sacchetti interviewed Kiki Musampa , a former Dutch midfielder born in 1977 , exclusively
for Calcissimo.com. Having grown up at Ajax, he played for prestigious clubs such as Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, and Bordeaux before embarking on a coaching career. We talked with him about Serie A, La Liga, the Premier League, and the importance of Ajax in his life.
The Italian championship today
How do you feel about the Italian league?
“I see the Italian league has changed a lot in recent years. It was one of my favorite leagues in the days of Maradona, Gullit, Van Basten… players with exceptional quality. Then the game didn’t develop, and the infamous catenaccio made it less interesting than other leagues. I must admit, however, that in recent years the game has evolved in an attractive way, combining discipline and organization with new foreign stars. It’s an interesting league again, and the strong representation in Europe shows that Italian football has changed.”
Atletico Madrid and a surprising start
Did you expect Atlético Madrid to start so strong this year?
“It was a pleasant surprise. It’s always what I hoped for, but knowing the club, as fans we don’t always get what we dream of. I’m happy with this start.”
Memories of Spain
What do you remember about your experience in Spain?
“Spain was a great experience, the place where I matured as a person and a player. I experienced football at different levels, both in terms of skill and work ethic. It shaped me greatly, and I’ll always have a soft spot for Spain: I feel at home there.”
The Madrid derby
What’s it like playing a derby in Madrid, and what effect did it have on the Vicente Calderón?
“The derby is always special. No matter how different the teams are, anything can happen. The turmoil in the city is incredible… but losing isn’t nice, because people are just waiting for a good result. The atmosphere at the Calderón was electric.”
Koopmeiners and Juventus
How do you explain Koopmeiners’ inability to perform against Juventus?
“Teun is having trouble showing himself the way he’d like. He’s carrying a huge responsibility: proving he’s worth the money he’s paid. That’s a lot of pressure. Every change takes time to adjust to, and that needs to be taken into account.”
Manchester City’s dominance
Did you expect Manchester City to improve so much over the years?
“Since City was taken over, the goal was to become a top team in the Premier League. But the timing and manner of their dominance were a surprise, especially given how it happened. That’s what makes people love City: their way of playing is fantastic to watch.”
The importance of Ajax
How important was Ajax in your career?
“Ajax is where my identity as a player was formed. It shaped me, served me throughout my career, and still serves me today as a coach. I’m very grateful to have been part of this club.”
KIKI MUSAMPA 